Blood: A Gift Only Humans Can Give

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. For Rotarians, answering that need is another opportunity to live our motto, "Service Above Self." Blood is a gift that only humans can provide, and few acts demonstrate Service Above Self more directly.
 
Although millions of Americans are eligible to donate blood, only a small percentage donate regularly, creating ongoing challenges for hospitals and blood centers.
Whether it is for trauma patients, accident victims, burn patients, cancer patients, surgery patients, or those receiving specialized medical treatments, blood products are needed every day. Occasionally, shortages become so severe that hospitals declare a "critical need" status, meaning they cannot guarantee when specific blood products will be available.  Unfortunately, summer activities, travel, and seasonal schedule changes often result in fewer donations at a time when the need remains constant.  We need to encourage more people to donate blood.
 
Several years ago, a close friend was scheduled for heart surgery. Unfortunately, the hospital did not have sufficient platelets available for his procedure. His surgery was repeatedly delayed while medical staff searched for enough platelets. Tragically, he passed away before the operation could be performed. That experience reinforced for me just how critical blood donations can be.  Since then, I have committed to donating platelets as often as permitted—up to 24 times each year.
 
While platelet donations require a larger time commitment, donating whole blood is a relatively simple process. Most whole blood donations take only 10 to 20 minutes, and healthy donors may give whole blood every 56 days.
 
Individuals with O-positive and especially O-negative blood types provide an extraordinary service. O-positive blood can be transfused to approximately 85% of the population, while O-negative blood is considered the universal donor type and can be given to virtually anyone in an emergency.
 
Through Quitman Rotary Club's blood drive efforts, I have seen firsthand how a dedicated group of Rotarians can help strengthen the local blood supply and save lives. 
 
Imagine the impact if every Rotary Club in District 5830 inspired just five new blood donors this year. Together, we could help provide hundreds—perhaps thousands—of lifesaving blood products for patients in need.
 
Every blood donation has the potential to save lives. A donor may never know whose life was touched, but patients and their families benefit from that generosity every day. Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self," is reflected perfectly in the simple act of donating blood.
 
As Rotarians, we seek opportunities to make a lasting difference in our communities. Blood donation is one of the most direct and meaningful ways to do exactly that.
 
Blood donation may not be the first service project that comes to mind, but for someone waiting for surgery, recovering from trauma, or battling illness, it can be the most important gift they ever receive.
 
Blood is a gift that cannot be manufactured—only donated. By giving a small amount of your time, you may give someone else the chance for a lifetime.
To find a blood donation location near you:
Oklahoma: Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) -  Find a donation center     
 
Bill Martin
Wcmartin1@gmail.com
Area 9 Assistant Governor
CBC Advisory Group
Blood & Donor Rotary Action Group (RAG)