LIFELINE Blood Services is in dire, dire need of donors.
Marketing Manager Caitlin Roach said, “Our numbers are down in ways people who have worked here for decades have never seen.”
Roach said, “Every single day, LIFELINE Blood Services has a crucial goal to meet—one that literally means life or death for people here in West Tennessee. As the sole supplier of blood to 17 hospitals and 14 air ambulances across 20 counties, the blood bank needs a constant supply of donors to meet demand. While a committed donor can give many gallons over his or her lifetime, it is difficult to find new donors willing to give blood donation a try—something that needs to change sooner than later.”
On Thursday, April 1, the Bloodmobile will be in Paris at First United Methodist Church from noon to 6 p.m. and at the Huntingdon Cash Savers at 1-6 p.m.
Our website lists all of the Bloodmobile visits for each month in articles and by clicking on the LIFELINE icon on our site.
Donors in April can register to win a four-night stay in the Smokies.
People who have never donated blood before give a variety of reasons, she said. “Some do cite a fear of needles, but more often than that, I hear them saying that they simply haven’t ever thought about it or taken the time to try it.”
While various health issues can lead to both permanent and temporary deferrals for donating blood, statistics show that of those who are eligible, only around 5% donate each year. Donors can only give every eight weeks due to the time needed to replace red cells in their bodies, so many donors are needed to keep West Tennessee supplied with blood.
“We respect that you might be intimidated at the thought of donating,” said Roach. “But we ask you to think about it a little differently. Take pride in the thought of doing something good—your single blood donation can save as many as three lives.”
One of the best things first-time donors can do to have a good experience is to be prepared. Read about the donation process and fill out your medical questionnaire online the day you donate. Drink plenty of water before you come in, and make sure to have eaten a hearty meal with iron-rich foods such as red meat, beans, or spinach before donating.
“You never know when someone you love will need blood, or even when you may need it yourself,” said Roach. “You will want it to be there, though, when it’s needed, and that only happens from donors stepping up and providing our supply. Give blood donation a try—you’ll feel so rewarded.”
To learn more about LIFELINE Blood Services, call 731.427.4431 or visit lifelinebloodserv.org.