By Dorothy Evans
On May 1, the American Red Cross held their quarterly blood drive in Weiser’s Vendome Events Center. The 82 units collected will have a welcome impact since one donation can save up to three lives.
Breaking down Weiser’s numbers from Wednesday, of the 86 scheduled appointments,17 (20%) were no-shows. Cancellations usually average around 20-25%. Partially offset by 11 walk-ins, our total number of donors was 80, down nine from last quarter. Furthermore, compared to Weiser’s May, 2022 drive, the number of donors at Wednesday’s draw was down 27 (33%).
According to an article in the Argus Observer, “over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%.” It further states that the Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage because more blood products are being sent to hospitals than are coming in. In some instances, the distribution of Type O (among the most transfused type) has been limited.
These numbers are alarming but can be reversed. Please consider donating blood at Weiser’s next drive on July 31. There’s no better way to spend an hour of your time.
We greatly appreciate all the donors at the May 1 draw. Those giving permission to print their name are: Jason Bair, Rick Haynes, Wendy Martell, Mathias Smith, Mary Smith, Larry Lee, Mary Walker, Sabrina Young, Mari Bionaz, Ralph Graham, Jeff Kahler, Liz Sousa, Chris McCord, Julie Derr, Suzanna Hubele, Megan Overgaard, Wil Overgaard, Janet MacLean, Justin Beach, Fred Haun, Sara Little, Brian Johnson, Aurora Salazar, Gilbert Salazar, Daniel Little, Harry Soulen, Steve Cooper, Rhonda Hirata, Rebekah Tracy, Sandy Cooper, Stephen Fenske, Mary Dimmitt, Diane Higgins, Coleen Grant, Bob Barber, Dave Jenkins, Colin McComish, Trent Winegar, Hunter Mizar, Mark Christensen, Cora Loudermilk, Bridger Thomas, Mary Ann Boothe, Haley Holback-Phillips, Maria Rodriguez, Kyle Dickerson, Connie Hagan, Phil Condon, Charles Winegardner, Steve Spencer, Steve Roemer, Linda McLaughlin, Betty Maglecic, Alana DeYoung, Barbara Huck, Denton Odoms (first-time donor), Pat West, Pamela Burris, Lorrie Dewyar, Tom Anderson, Barbara Barber, Rebecca Hale, Steve Nakamura, Jordan Barrett, Renee Speropulos, Tina Watkins, Molly Jensen, Jhonna Eldridge, Bruce Winegar, Maria Almanza and Cindy Duncan.
The blood drive could not happen without the help of all the volunteers. Blood drive chairman, Alex Chavarria, pulled it together by lining up and calling donors. Coordinator Dorothy Evans worked the registration table during the drive and entered future appointments into the database after the drive. Pat West helped at the registration table while John Aegerter escorted donors from the draw station to the food tables. Mary Walker and Vicki Sale of Nu Masters sorority prepared sandwiches for the donors. Beverly Attebery, Delores Overacker and Val Donicht of Xi Nu sorority kept the food tables supplied and prepared a delicious baked potato lunch for the volunteers and Red Cross workers. Nu Masters and Xi Nu are members of the Beta Sigma Phi City Council who funds the purchase of the food. Ridley’s graciously donated the potatoes for the lunch. We are also grateful to MTE for their generous contribution that pays for supplies and WIFI.
Weiser’s next quarterly blood drive will be held in the Vendome Events Center on Wednesday, July 31, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please call Alex Chavarria at 208-602-7138 or Dorothy Evans at 208-550-0990 to schedule an appointment or go on the American Red Cross website to reserve your time slot. Your blood may save a life.
