Serving the greater good with the American Red Cross

For the past three years I have donated blood with the American Red Cross at least once during each year. The last time that I donated blood was in November 2009. The donation process is relatively simple. Donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good overall health. Donating blood with the Red Cross is a way to give back to one’s community. Just one blood donation can save up to three people’s lives. The O-negative blood type is the universal donor, which means this blood type can be given to anyone. Only 7% of the U.S. population has type O-negative blood. Donating blood with the Red Cross is done only on a volunteer basis and donors are not paid. To sign up you can call the American Red Cross or schedule an appointment at http://www.redcrossblood.org/.

In 1940 the American Red Cross blood program was established under the direction of Dr. Charles Drew. Since its creation seventy years ago, the ARC blood program has grown and currently it stores about 40% of the blood supply in the United States. Each year, the American Red Cross sponsors more than 200,000 blood drives nationwide.

I was reminded about donating blood with the American Red Cross because the month of March is American Red Cross Month. In March the organization will promote the various services that it offers and engage the American public in a fund-raising campaign. The origins of specifically recognizing the Red Cross during the month of March began in 1918. In the final months of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed “Red Cross Week” as a way for Americans “to give generously to the continuation of the important work of relieving distress.” Later, President Franklin Roosevelt declared March 1943 as “Red Cross Month.” The tradition of acknowledging the Red Cross’ mission to assist people in need during disasters and unfortunate life circumstances continues to this day. On February 24, 2010, President Barack Obama delivered a Presidential Proclamation for American Red Cross Month. President Obama spoke about the legacy that America has established to respond with compassion for people around the world who have experienced hardships. “This tradition reflects our Nation’s noblest ideals and has led people around the world to see the United States as a beacon of hope. During American Red Cross Month, we honor the organizations across our country that contribute to our Nation’s ongoing efforts to relieve human suffering,” Obama said from the White House.

Blood donation services is one of five key service areas that the American Red Cross maintains. The other services are biomedical, disaster, armed forces emergency, health & safety, and international services. During American Red Cross Month, let us remember the remarkable legacy that Red Cross volunteers and workers have exhibited over the last 130 years. Not only do Red Cross volunteers donate blood, but they also donate their time and their creativity, to serve a greater purpose than themselves. They collectively have exhibited the mission of the International Red Cross and also the generosity that comes from many Americans.

Here are some more facts about blood donations:

• Every two seconds a person in the United States is in need of blood.
• The percentage of Americans eligible to give blood is less than 38%.
• Only 8% of eligible Americans give blood.
• There is a 97% chance that someone you know will need a blood transfusion at some point in their life.