ST. MARYS, Ohio (WLIO) — The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate blood this summer as seasonal shortages create an increased need for lifesaving donations.
On Tuesday, Steve Fisher completed his 120th blood donation during an American Red Cross blood drive at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. Fisher said he began donating blood long before he started working at the hospital and has continued because he understands how important donations are for patients in need.
“I think the first time I donated was like at our local high school and I just thought it be a good idea to donate and then once I start working here I know what the need is for blood donation. So, it makes you feel good that you could help out in some way,” says Steve Fisher, has donated blood 120 times.
Joint Township District Memorial Hospital has hosted blood drives for approximately 30 years. Since 2006, nearly 2,000 units of blood have been collected through those efforts.
Volunteers say the blood drives also showcase the strong sense of community support among residents and hospital employees.
“I see the same people they seem to sign up all the time the same ones So you kind of get a report with them. It's just good to see everybody and to see the community coming together to help out the people that are in need of the blood,” says Sandy Dingledine, volunteers at JTDMH blood drives.
The American Red Cross typically sees a decline in blood donations during the summer months as people travel for vacations or become busy with seasonal projects. However, those same activities can also increase the demand for blood due to accidents and emergencies.
Red Cross officials say donating blood takes about an hour from start to finish, while the actual donation process lasts only eight to 10 minutes.
“So, you can schedule online at redcrossblood.org. When you do that not. It takes about an hour from start to finish, but the donation itself is about 8 to 10 minutes. Besides saving up to three lives, I mean, you can save your own family member. I mean, a lot of us have people that we don't expect have an accident to happen. And so, you have to keep in mind, you never know when it might be you," says Ashton Castle, Donor Recruitment Account Mgr, American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross is also offering incentive programs throughout the summer to encourage more people to donate blood.
To find a blood donation drive near you or schedule an appointment, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org.
