The Red Cross Needs YOU!
***Guest Blog by Haley Gerlofs, American Red Cross***
The cancer or sickle-cell patient at CHOA. The victim of an unforeseen accident on I-85/75. The patient in for a routine surgery at Piedmont Hospital. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day across the U.S., but only 3 out of 100 eligible Americans donate blood. That’s it. Alarming, right?
There simply aren’t enough people giving blood to help patients in need. Regular blood donors are crucial to keeping a healthy blood supply, nationwide and locally. We couldn’t do it without supportive partners in the community. To help combat this shortage, on June 11th, The American Red Cross launched the Missing Types campaign: a movement to inspire new blood donors to roll up a sleeve and help save lives.
How can YOU help as part of Livable Buckhead?
The American Red Cross in Atlanta is always looking for new partners. Hosting or supporting an existing blood drive in your building or with your network has the potential to impact hundreds of patients. Particularly during the summer and holiday seasons, the blood supply dips to dangerous levels. The American Red Cross strives to maintain a sustainable blood supply, and to ensure blood is available to all patients who need it!
Hosting a blood drive costs nothing, and gives organizations an opportunity to support the Buckhead community in a tangible way. Blood drives include mini-physicals, and give donors the opportunity to learn their blood types. If someone is unable to donate, volunteer opportunities are available leading up to and on the day of the blood drive, ensuring everyone can be involved! A blood drive or table including information on the benefits of blood donations could be a great addition to a Wellness Week or Health Fair.
Overall, hosting or supporting an existing blood drive with the Red Cross will allow team members/donors to work with many groups or people across your organization; bring people together in a spirit of teamwork to make your event successful; and promote a cause that could help save millions of lives each year. The #1 reason people do not donate blood is because they have never been asked. Help us change this. If you would like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to me.
