Bleeding for pie

Summer is finally here with vacations, floating, camping and barbecues. But it’s not fun if someone you love is in the hospital and there is no blood on the shelf. Here, in the southern part of Wyoming, it takes 500 people a week to donate blood to serve the 47 area hospitals in this region. One out of every three people will need blood during their lives but only one in 20 people regularly give blood.

Saratoga’s next blood drive with United Blood Services is from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on July 14 at St. Ann’s Parish Hall. The drive is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and will include a slice of fresh, home baked pie for all donors.

This drive is especially important because it is being held during the summer. According to Jim Larschied, blood drive coordinator, participation drops off slightly at summer blood drives because donors are on vacation or are involved in all the fun summer activities everyone enjoys. “The demand for blood is constant, even in the summer months, and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients,” said Larschied. “It’s important that people remember to take some time out of their busy schedules to donate during the summer to help maintain a safe and plentiful supply of blood for our community.”

Blood donors truly are heroes, because their one donation can help as many as four patients. “Giving blood is one of the most important, rewarding and compassionate things a person can do,” explained Larschied. “The blood donation is simple, there is little, if any, pain and it provides the ‘gift of life’ that only human beings can give to one another.”

Blood donors are reminded to eat well 30-45 minutes prior to your donation, drink plenty of water during the day to keep yourself hydrated, limit your caffeine intake, bring a list of your medications and places and times you have traveled outside of the U.S. and bring a photo I.D.

You may also complete the Health History Questionnaire on the day of the drive by going to http://www.unitedbloodservices.org. Print out the ticket and bring it with you to the blood drive.

Anyone interested in donating may call Larschied at (307) 326-8603 or schedule an appointment online at http://www.bloodhero.com (sponsor code is toga).