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Poland library and American Red Cross team up for blood drive
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Neighbors | Tim Cleveland.Rose Marie Massaro of Struthers began the process of donating during the blood drive at Poland library.
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Neighbors | Tim Cleveland.Carlton Parker of the American Red Cross bagged ice used to keep blood cold during the blood drive at Poland library.
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Neighbors | Tim Cleveland.Andrea Gotschall of the American Red Cross fed a donor's blood from a pouch into a tube as part of the collection process during the blood drive.
By TIM CLEVELAND
Poland library and the American Red Cross teamed up on July 15 to give area residents a chance to contribute to a blood drive.
The blood drive had 37 people pre-register to give blood, more than the goal of 35. Each person donated one pint of blood.
“It saves lives, it helps three lives per unit,” said Carlton Parker, who led the Red Cross team.
The entire process took only an hour to complete. After arriving and checking in by showing their ID, donors read the Red Cross’ green book which contained all the rules and regulations of donating blood. They then met with a Red Cross worker and gave a complete health history and they had to pass a mini physical, which consisted of having their temperature taken, providing a small blood sample to check their iron count and have their blood pressure tested. Anyone at least 16-years-old (with parental consent) can donate as long as they pass the physical. People can only donate once every 56 days.
After that, it was on to the stations to give their pint of blood.
“Afterwards is the big reward,” Parker said. “You get the cookies and juice afterwards. That’s just to get the sugar back and help you get back to your day after giving blood.”
Karen Granchie of Struthers was one of the 37 donors at Poland library. She said she’s been giving blood for a long time.
“I’m originally from Oklahoma, and I always donated down there because I was a nurse and I’ve been donating blood for forever because they need it,” she said. “I think it’s a wonderful idea. People need it. You save lives and do a lot of good.”
Parker said that donating blood is a big benefit, not only to the recipient of the blood but also the donor.
“I compare donating blood to getting an oil change,” he said. “You’re saving lives but you’re also replenishing yourself, as well. Just like you change the oil in your car, you get rid of the old blood with the new blood while saving lives in the process. It benefits both ways. It benefits the recipient as well as the donor.”