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Donors step up

Posted 9/23/22

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. It’s an essential resource for hospitals and medical personnel not just for traumatic injuries and …

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Donors step up

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According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. It’s an essential resource for hospitals and medical personnel not just for traumatic injuries and surgeries but also for cancer treatments, organ transplants and a wide range of chronic illnesses.

Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care always begins with one person who decides to become a donor. 

The Monticello Rotary Club recently held a Community Blood Drive Challenge on Monday with Resorts World Catskills and in partnership with the New York Blood Center in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Dozens of community members donated whole blood units or double red cells during the community blood drive challenge, enough to potentially save more than 100 lives. 

Two more blood drives were held recently in Sullivan County at the Youngsville and Woodbourne firehouses.  There are many other organizations and volunteers who work with little fanfare or recognition but with the knowledge that they’re helping others. It comes as no surprise that when people are in need our communities step up to the plate and deliver.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2022 and the American Red Cross says that cancer patients receive nearly 25 percent of the blood supply. 

People battling cancer can be at risk for low red blood cells and platelet counts and they often need blood components on a regular basis during chemotherapy , surgeries and treatments to address complications.

While these facts are troubling, they underscore the tremendous importance of community blood drives. Your donation could help give someone relief from symptoms, improve their quality of life and get the lifesaving treatments they need as soon as possible.  

To learn more about the work of the American Red Cross or about community blood drives in our area, visit www.redcrossblood.org. 

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