Zachary Nowell usually enjoys relaxing on Mondays because that is one of his days off from work, but Nowell decided to go to the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce to donate his time and his blood.
“This is the first time I’ve done it in a long time,” Nowell explained. “I just really want to get back into the habit of doing this because it’s so important.”
“There’s a significant shortage of blood,” stated donor Austin Tinsley. “It’s important to do this.”
Tinsley explained he makes a regular habit of donating blood whenever he can.
The Daily American Republic hosted its third annual blood drive Monday, in coordination with the American Red Cross.
According to information provided by redcross.org, there is constantly a need for blood donations. Among other statistics from the Red Cross are:
• Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and/or platelets.
• Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.
• Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
• Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
• One donation can help save more than one life.
“Most people don’t realize that it’s actually really healthy to donate blood,” Tinsley added. “One of the benefits is that it helps prevent high levels of hemoglobin.”
John Gholson also came to donate blood, which is something he said is regular for him.
“They say they need the blood, so I just donate,” Gholson remarked. “This is something that I started doing regularly since I was in the military.”
According to information provided by the Red Cross, an estimated 6.8 million people donate blood each year, and the Red Cross provides approximately 40% of the nation’s blood and blood components. However, red blood cells must be used within 42 days or less. Platelets must be used within five days.
According to the Red Cross, there are multiple ways to go about donating blood. The most common donation is a whole blood donation, which consists of taking one unit or pint of blood. Another type of donation is known as Power Red. Power Red is similar to a whole blood donation; however, a machine is used to allow for safe donations of two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning plasma and platelets to the donor.
Upcoming local blood drives in the Poplar Bluff area are:
• Friday, March 15, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center; from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Monday, March, 18, at the Poplar Bluff Eagles Lodge; from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Thursday April 4, at Nortek Global HVAC; from noon-4 p.m.
• Friday April 5, at the Poplar Bluff High School; from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.