Pie in July

Ah summer! It’s 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 3 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 on Tuesday, July 16th from noon to 5:30 pm 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 Larscheid, 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 Larscheid. “It’s important that people remember to take some time off 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 Larscheid. “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 donation, drink plenty of water during the day to keep hydrated, limit caffeine intake, bring a list of medications and places and times they have traveled outside of the U.S. and bring a photo ID.

You may also complete the Health History Questionnaire on the day of the drive by going to www.unitedbloodservices.org. Print out the ticket and bring it with you to the blood drive. Filling out the on-line questionnaire will speed up the process for donors.

Anyone interested in donating may call Larscheid at 307-399-2124 or schedule an appointment online at www.vitalant.org (sponsor code is toga).