Three day weekend checklist: Ice? Check. Burgers? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Blood? Uh … that one’s not so easy to check off the list. You would think that since someone needs blood every three seconds, and the majority of people are sources of this renewable resource, we’d have an ample supply.
But that’s just not the case.
There’s currently a local shortage of both O-negative and AB (positive and negative) blood types. With the Labor Day holiday just around the corner, the city of Santa Maria and United Blood Services would like to make sure they have enough blood on hand to meet upcoming needs.
In extreme emergencies, when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type, O-negative blood can be given, since it’s universally accepted. If you were a trauma patient or a neonatal baby, your only plasma option would be AB. It’s no wonder that these two blood types are a high priority for United Blood Services. Compounding the need is the fact that the Labor Day holiday brings with it “the increased risk of emergencies and accidents, making the demand for blood less predictable,” according to a news release from the city.
But don’t let the focus typically given to those two blood types detract from the weight of any blood donation.
“Every blood type is the right type,” said Mark van de Kamp with the city.
The blood drive, the second of three such drives scheduled, will be held on Aug. 25 on McClelland Street near the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center from noon to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but the quickest way to donate is to make an appointment, ensuring you get hero status. If you happen to be heading out to the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center or for a rousing game of lawn bowling at the green on McClelland, or if you just happen to be in the area, you should consider making a donation.
Besides, imagine how much cooler your holiday will be knowing that you saved someone’s life and didn’t even break a sweat.
Intern Michael McCone compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 18-25, 2011.