The need for blood
BY JAMES C. FALCON
james@nordaknorth.com
Calling all blood donors: you are needed. Due to a critical shortage of all blood types, donations are desperately needed. “We’re currently asking all donors to step up and help patients in need,” urged Teresa Johnson, a donor recruitment representative with Vitalant, an organization that collects blood from volunteer donors and provides blood, blood products and services across the nation. The time of year has played a key part in the need, she added. “Summertime is always very difficult for us, “Johnson said. “Honestly, from Memorial Day until about Labor Day,
summer is busy.” Everyone is going on vacation, participating in extra activities and otherwise enjoying the weather, Johnson explained, adding that other holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, are other times when blood donation drops. “Coming in to donate blood is not on the top of the mind for people,” she said.
