Published: October 26, 2006 11:09 pm      

United Blood Services asks, ‘Please, give blood’

If you haven’t donated blood because you haven’t been asked, United Blood Services of Meridian is asking.

“The No. 1 reason people give for not donating blood is, ‘I’ve never been asked,’” said Diane Wolf, director of donor recruitment.

Blood is at a critical low at a time when, according to Wolf, it shouldn’t be.

“October is normally a good month for blood donations,” she said. “The schools are in play, so we have all the students in school. We do Hero Drives at the elementary schools, which provides parents the opportunity to support their child’s classrooms. And with homecoming activities at colleges, blood drives are usually held.”

The shortage is not only locally, but also internationally.

“I just returned from an international meeting where this was one of the main topics,” Wolf said. “And the reason people give for not donating is the same — not being asked. The same reason given in a survey conducted seven years ago.”

To make sure the local supply is not totally depleted, 450 units of blood were imported to Meridian on Wednesday.

“We’re homegrown folks around here, we need to be meeting our own needs,” Wolf said. “I know it sounds like I’m on a soapbox, but there is a problem.”

While current donors are encouraged to continue giving blood, new donors also are sought by the local blood service.

“We’ve purchased voter registration lists. Donors who vote seem to fit the profile of a blood donor,” Wolf said.

Out of 27,000 names on the list — minus known donors — UBS had 68 people to donate blood.

Wolf welcomes any opportunity to speak to clubs and organizations, schools and area businesses about blood donations and scheduling blood drives.

“Before someone can receive blood, someone must give it,” she said. “It’s up to the healthy individuals of our community to provide that much needed product for patients in need. There’s no substitute.”

WANT TO GIVE?

The following is a list of blood drives scheduled in the area:

Today — The Specialty Hospital, inside Rush Foundation Hospital at 1314 19th Ave., from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Today — Yates Construction Company, Philadelphia, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Today — Dominican Exploration, Tuscaloosa, Ala. from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Monday — Northeast Lauderdale High School, 702 Briarwood Road, 8:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Wednesday — St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1116 23rd Ave., in the EYC Room, 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 4 — Sam’s Club, 715 Bonita Drive, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

To give blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds, have never had hepatitis and be in good general health.

For more information about donating blood, contact the Meridian office of United Blood Services at (601) 482-2482.