Letters to the editor

November 15, 2007 02:52 am

— Start a tradition: Give blood for the holidays
Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, and we at LifeSouth Community Blood Centers would like to say, “Thanks for giving.” Over the past year our donors have quietly gone about the business of saving lives. But they could use some help.
It’s estimated that in the United States nearly 63 percent of the people will need blood at some point in their lifetime, but currently only about 5 percent donate blood regularly.
And during the holidays the flow of donors slows to a trickle. But hospitals don’t take a holiday, they need blood every day, and in fact trauma on the highways during this time of year can often spike the demand.
That’s why this year we’d like to ask you to begin a holiday tradition, donate blood. Put it at the top of your gift-giving list. It’s the gift you won’t have to wrap, it’s guaranteed to fit, and it will cost only about an hour of your time.
In the coming weeks as you walk through the crowded stores and malls, look around and see if you can pick out that faithful 5 percent. Then think about this: if just one more person in 100 would make the decision to become a blood donor, we likely wouldn’t be facing these seasonal shortages. That person could be you. You could be the person who encourages others to take that step. One hour of your time may give a family the best gift of the season, and you won’t have to wrap it.
Nancy Eckert
CEO, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers