Red Cross Reports Emergency Need for Blood

Every few months or so, I encourage my readers to take an hour or two out their day and donate blood.

It's my website. I do what I want.

I gave blood last week after getting the usual "there is an emergency need for blood" pitch. Truthfully, I don't need to hear the "would you like to save a life today" ploy—but I find answering the phone, "Hello? Yes, you can have my blood!" without a buffer a little strange. 

My arm has since healed from the puncture, but the emergency need has only gotten worse.

"In June, blood donations were down more than 10 percent across the country, with 50,000 fewer pints of blood than expected," reads a statement from the American Red Cross. "The Red Cross typically sees a decline in blood donations during the summer months because blood donors are busy with seasonal activities and overlook donating blood."

They say one donation can save up to three lives.

In theory, I could have saved 30+ lives over the years, based on the amount of times I've donated. That's what I tell people as I gallop on my high horse across the plains of self-satisfaction.

In reality, I do it because it's the easiest form of self-gratification involving the most minimal amount of effort: 

• Make appointment.
• Sit in chair.
• Needle.
• Adjust portable movie player or book.
• Eat a cookie and drink some water 
• Walk tall.

The other reason I host these semi-regular online blood drives is the convenience of the .

Address: 2405 York Road (third floor)

Number: 1-800-RED-CROSS

Make an appointment today. Share this post on Facebook and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Just be sure to check the Red Cross donation eligibility requirements.