CUSTER COUNTY–As you make your Christmas lists this year about who to shop or bake for, it might be a good idea to also include making an appointment to donate blood. You probably will not know the receiver of the gift, but it could be life-changing.
Regional Communications Director & National Spokesperson in the Nebraska-Iowa Region for American Red Cross Josh Murray speaks with KCNI/KBBN once a month for public affairs. In November, he said the need for blood and volunteers remains imperative as we head into the holiday season.
“Two things we’re always going to need: we always need more blood and we always need more volunteers, our work keeps growing,” Murray said referencing disasters at home and natural disasters across the country.
Blood donations have a shelf life of 42 days and that is why there is always a need to replenish. Murray said patients need blood all the time whether transfusions are necessary for accident victims, cancer patients, or anyone in between.
“We worry about it when we get to this time of year, when we get into the winter months and it starts to get cold and we start to see weather complications and maybe people aren’t getting out as much. We know the holidays are coming up but we want to remind everyone it’s important to find time if you can to give blood, to make an appointment to give blood and to help us out there,” Murray said.
Check out redcross.org to make an appointment to donate blood, apply to become a volunteer, or find more information.
“Give something that means something. Giving blood will mean something definitely for those who need it and the families of those people in need but also giving your time through volunteering,” Murray said.
A wide variety of volunteer roles are available on the front lines or in the office assisting with communications and data tracking.
“We are always appreciative of anyone who can give any time to us,” Murray said.
Speaking of time, with the end of daylight saving time earlier this month and the turning back of the clocks, Murray reminds people this is an opportunity to also check their smoke alarms. “Turn and test,” he advises when you turn your clocks back or forward, test your smoke detectors and/or change the batteries in doing so.
“Studies show that when you have working smoke alarms, it reduces the risk of injury or death from a home fire in half,” Murray said. “They [smoke alarms] definitely save lives but only if they’re working and only if they have that battery to make sure they’re in operation. You don’t want to find out when it’s too late.”
Even if your smoke alarms are hard-wired into the home electrical system, Murray says it is a good idea to have the backup of batteries in case the power goes out.
If you have a smoke alarm that is 10 years or older, it might be a good idea to replace them because the sensors become less sensitive over time. Call the American Red Cross 1-800-Red-Cross if you need assistance.
Upcoming Local Blood Drives:
Blood Drive-Sargent
When
Mon, November 28, 10:30am – 4:30pm
Where
Sargent Community Building, 314 W Main St, Sargent, NE 68874
Blood Drive-Broken Bow
When
Tue, November 29, 1pm – 6pm
Where
Municipal Building BB, 314 S 10th Ave, Broken Bow, NE 68822
Blood Drive-Callaway
When
Tue, December 6, 9am – 3pm
Where
Callaway Community Center, 203 W Kimball St, Callaway, NE 68825
Description
The Callaway Lions Club will once again be hosting the Callaway Blood Drive on December 6th at the Callaway Community Center from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call Carol to make appointment at 308-870-3594 or go online to redcrossblood.com.
