Red Cross Blood Drive in Cambridge
The Red Cross had a blood drive at the Cambridge Exhibit Hall on Thursday, October 5th. It was organized by local resident Jen Burdick who volunteers through her job at CTC to coordinate the yearly blood drive. Tehanisch Nupp, whose official title is Donor Recruitment Coordinator for the American Red Cross, pointed out the dire need for blood in this country. She went on to say that most people who donate blood have a “Why story.” An event that happened in their lives where either themselves or friends or family needed emergency blood transfusions.
As I walked around the room chatting with the donors, I asked a few to tell me their “Why” stories. Their responses were inspiring. Cheyenne told me her husband was in a life threatening accident and between the helicopter ride and the emergency department he received 24 units of blood. Her reason for donating she says, “It’s such a little thing to do to help somebody.”
I then spoke to a gentleman named David. He said, “I feel obligated.” He said he had two grandchildren who died as a result of separate car accidents and had they survived and needed blood, he hoped it would have been there to save them.
Betty has been donating since after high school for about forty years. At that time a family friend was in a serious accident and needed multiple units of blood to save his life. She and her parents answered the call to give blood to replenish the supply and she has given almost every year since then. Sometimes up to three times a year.
Karen a teacher and part time EMT says. “ She and her family have always done it.” Although her job is to stabilize patients in the field and transport them to area hospitals, she realizes the need and feels it’s her duty to donate when she can. She has given blood 10 or 12 times so far.
The staff of five phlebotomists are experts at their job. They can start the IV and collect a unit of blood in about 10-20 minutes while the donor sit’s relaxing in a recliner. The IV is removed and after a brief rest and a little snack and juice the person is on their way. It doesn’t take much time.
Lead Phlebotomist Dottie, when asked why she does what she does, told me that a few years ago her young daughter underwent three emergency surgeries and developed a serious infection that attacked her red blood cells. Dottie was in the room when the nurse called out, “Get me four units of O Negative blood STAT! Her daughter’s blood pressure was critical and the only thing that stood between life and death was the blood donated by somebody who took the time to give it.
According to the American Red Cross website, last month on September 11 they declared a national blood shortage, citing a critically low blood supply level that dropped nearly 25 percent since early August. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially those with type O negative, which can be given to any of the other types. It is known as the universal donor. There is also an urgent need for platelets. You don’t have to have a “Why Story” to give blood; you can give so it will be there when someone desperately needs it. It may be a friend or family member or even you.
