BY KAREN BOSSICK
As the snow inches up, blood donations go down.
Blood donations tend to decrease in winter months due to storms and bad weather. As a result, supply can’t always meet demand.
To ensure there’s enough blood to go around, St. Luke’s Wood River Volunteer Core Board and the American Red Cross are inviting the community to donate blood between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22.
The blood drive will be held in the Baldy and River run conference rooms at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center near Ketchum.
“In the hour it takes to donate blood, you can help save the lives of patients in your community and across the country,” said Teresa Laird, who is co-chairing the drive with Cheri Watson.
Blood donors with all blood types are encouraged to make an appointment. Save time by completing a RapidPass health history questionnaire online prior to arriving at the blood drive. To do that, go to www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.
Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood for surgery, cancer treatment, chronic illness and traumatic injuries
About 1.7 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, for instance, and many of them will need blood—sometimes daily—during chemotherapy. A single car accident victim can need as many as 100 pints of blood.
To donate blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED Cross (1-800-733-2767). Individuals should be 17 or 16 with parental consent. Donors should weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.