On Wednesday, July 1, you may have noticed a Red Cross blood donation bus parked outside Froth and Cork in
Hastings.
The business hosted a community blood drive, encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help meet the ongoing need for blood donations.
According to the American Red Cross, about 6.8 million people in the United States donate blood each year, resulting in roughly 13.6 million units of whole blood collected annually.
The Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood and plasma, which are used every day for surgeries, cancer treatments, emergency care, and patients recovering from traumatic injuries.
KDWA stopped by Froth and Cork as donors waited for their appointments and asked what motivates them to give blood.
One donor said family experience inspired them to become a regular donor.
“Some family members have needed blood donations over the years, so that’s why I give.”
Another donor, who works at the local cancer center, said seeing patients rely on donated blood makes the decision an easy one.
“I work at the Cancer Center here in town, and we give a lot of blood to patients there, so I like to give back.”
A third donor echoed that sentiment, saying loved ones have also benefited from blood donations.
“I love to give back because my family members have also needed blood donations. I’ve donated more than 10 gallons since 9/11.”
The American Red Cross is also making it easier than ever to donate through its free Blood Donor App. The app allows users to find local blood drives, schedule or reschedule appointments, complete the RapidPass health questionnaire before arriving, review donation history, and even track where their blood is sent after donation.
One longtime donor says that feature adds a personal connection to every donation, as she was notified that her donation was used in another state across the county.
The Red Cross says a single blood donation has the potential to help save up to three lives, making every donation an opportunity to make a difference.
To find an upcoming blood drive or learn more about donating, visit the American Red Cross website.
You’ll also find links to those resources within this report at KDWA.com.
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