Community Corner
CROTON COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
Croton Community Blood Drive
- Organization: Croton Community Blood Drive
- Causes: Civic, Health
- Date(s): SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2012 9am to 3pm at Croton Harmon High School
- Contact person: Carol Shanesy
- Phone: 914-271-7645
- Email: communityblooddrive@gmail.com
The Community Blood Program’s 83rd drive will be held, as usual, in the big gym at Croton-Harmon High School, from 9:00 to 3:00, this Sunday, May 6.
Healthy persons who are at least 16 years old and 110 pounds and not yet 76 may donate every 56 days. Those 16 to 17 need a parent’s written permission; donors over 76 must present a doctor’s note.
Donors are required to bring some ID with photo or signature. They are advised to drink plenty of fluids, especially if the day is a warm one, and not to engage in very strenuous activity. Normal activity is fine. Baby-sitters will be available. Each donor will receive Donor Advantage points redeemable for a wide variety of gifts. For more information, one may access www.mydonoradvantage.com.
Find out what's happening in Ossining-Croton-On-Hudsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
To make an appointment – and appointments are so important for those who organize blood drives – donors are urged to call 271-7645 or 8449, or email communityblooddrive@gmail.com.
The term “blood bank” is a misnomer. It implies that blood is stored for extended periods, which is simply not true. Blood is an extremely perishable product with red cells lasting just 42 days and platelets only five. Since approximately 2,200 units of blood are needed every day by patients in the hospitals in the lower Hudson Valley, the regional blood center would more accurately be called a “blood pipeline.” It must keep flowing – 365 days of the year.
Find out what's happening in Ossining-Croton-On-Hudsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Most first-time donors are surprised to find out how easy and painless it is to give blood. The average adult has about 10 to 12 pints of blood. A healthy body replaces the fluid volume within 24 hours, the lost corpuscles somewhat longer. Each donor is served at least a pint of assorted beverages as well as snacks to replace blood sugars. .
Donated blood is fractioned into its component parts so a single donation could save three or more lives. It should not be assumed that one’s medications prevent donating blood; many of these are perfectly compatible with donation. If in doubt, one may call (800)688-0900. To make an appointment – and appointments are so important for those who organize blood drives – donors are urged to call 271-7645 or 8449, or email communityblooddrive@gmail.com.
The Blood Program is sponsored this year by the Croton-Harmon Board of Education, the Croton Lions Club, the Croton Rotary Club, and the Croton Business Council. Most of the blood given to surgical patients, accident victims, people with chronic diseases like hemophilia or sickle cell anemia as well as cancer patients, come from strangers at a blood drive who share their good health with those who cannot live without it.
Rosalind Morrissey, Publicity chair
