Give blood, save lives
The recent triple-digit temperatures have kept a lot of people safely inside air-conditioned workplaces and homes.
However, a reluctance to go outside has prompted the American Red Cross to issue an emergency appeal for blood donations. Supplies have dropped to the lowest level in 15 years, said Dan Fox, communications manager for the American Red Cross in St. Louis, covering the Missouri and Illinois region.
The heat exacerbated normal summertime donation dips caused by the Fourth of July, families going on vacation, and students being out of school. Students account for 20 percent of donations, Fox said.
The Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City, instead of having a three- to four-day supply available, is down to a one-day supply, said Stann Tate, director of marketing and communications. He blames it on the dog days of summer.
Donating blood doesn’t take a lot of time, and it can be done in comfortable, air-conditioned locations. Blood collected here is used to directly benefit people in need because of surgeries or unexpected life-threatening problems.
Giving is good for the overall health of the community — even if donors have to sweat a little while traveling to make it possible. The next few days offer a respite from high heat, giving donors a good chance to help the blood bank recover from its shortage.
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