Dear Friends,
It is a very small percentage of the population that is aware of the constant and ongoing need for blood and blood components. Are you aware that only 5% of the eligible population actually donates blood? Unfortunately, that small percentage has a tendency to shrink even more during the summer.
Typically from June through August, blood banks nationwide see a decline in donations due to heightened travel and school vacations, coupled with an increase in blood usage. In an effort to preclude shortages, TBC works hard to encourage people to come in and donate around these critical time periods. Popular promotional events such as ‘Blood-A-Thon’, ‘Pint for a Pint’ with Bluebell Ice Cream and ‘Hats off to Donors,’ in addition to special center promotions and drives help to ensure larger donor turnouts.
Our Go for the Gold program has also been a successful campaign, increasing the number of two and three time donors we see yearly. If you are already a donor, I hope we can count on you to continue to be a regular one, especially during the summer. If you are unable to donate, I hope we can count on you to encourage others to do so.
Because blood cannot be manufactured, the act of donating blood is truly like giving others the most priceless, precious gift -- the ‘Gift of Life.’ Please remember, every gift of blood saves lives and patients in our hospitals face crises everyday. When we call on you, we really do need you.
Sincerely,
Billy Weales
President & CEO
For more information on becoming a volunteer blood donor, call 1-800-86-BLOOD or (504) 524-1322 or email us at donate@thebloodcenter.org.
