submitted by Gail Smith
As a result of the situation in Buffalo, the Red Cross needs to collect around 1,000 units of blood every day in New York and Pennsylvania to keep hospitals stocked. With western New York snowed in, the organization is calling on other areas to step up. Thirty blood drives had to be cancelled resulting in the loss of over 860 units.
[private]I also recently had a friend who had to have four units of blood. When I walked into her hospital room and saw blood dripping into the IV, donating became much more personal to me. What if those units weren’t available? That happens.
This is our chance to step up. Hoosick Falls has two blood drives scheduled the week of December 1. On Wednesday, December 3, the HFCS Student Council will host a drive from 8 am to 1:30 pm, and on Saturday, December 6, from 8 am to 1 pm, the HF Community Alliance Church at 484 Hill Road will sponsor theirs.
These blood drives are being held in honor of Dr. Marcus Martinez and other loved ones who have physical needs. We are now adding those in Buffalo. Although these individuals may not need blood transfusions personally, one way we can tangibly support them and help others as well is to ask community members to donate a unit in their honor.
Going into our last two drives of 2014, we are 140 units short of our goal of 500. Given averages, this is going to be very close, but if the Hoosick Community truly lives up to who we are – people of heart – that goal will be shattered because when there is a need, we rise up. Well, there is a very real need. We’re just a small community, but let’s show the Red Cross just how big our heart is!
Slots are filling up quickly. We strongly recommend that you make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome and will be given the first appointment that is open upon their arrival.
Please call 1-800-red-cross or go on-line (redcrossblood.org) to make your appointment. If you can’t make either of the Hoosick Falls drives, there are several coming up in Bennington. Call Gail Smith at 686-9888 if you have any questions.[/private]