Giving blood helps others, provides health benefits for the donor
Colleen Horan, center, of Carter BloodCare and Pat Talkington, right, a Palo Pinto General Hospital volunteer who has organized the community blood drive for four decades, talked Wednesday to Rotary Club of Mineral Wells members about the importance of donating blood regularly – not only to help others but also for the personal health benefits.
The next local blood drive is Monday, July 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Palo Pinto General Hospital parking lot, and 3-7 p.m. at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church’s Family Life Center.
Rotary Clubs are being challenged to donate blood, and the Mineral Wells club plans to roll up its sleeves and do its part.
Horan said the summer is often a critical time for blood supplies as the need generally rises, but donations typically drop with people and families on vacations.
She said in North Texas, Carter BloodCare is available to provide supplies 24/7, 365 days a year when a need or an emergency arises, such as nearly one year ago when the shooting attacks on Dallas police officers occurred.
Every donation results in the separation of three blood components – platelets, red blood cells and plasma. Platelets and red blood cells have a temporary lifespan, but plasma can be frozen and stored for long periods of time. Red blood cells are used in more than two-thirds of all transfusions, while platelets are needed typically for cancer and open heart patients, among others.
Every donation is tested for its type and for infectious diseases. Each donor receives a mini-physical and can obtain vital health information, such as cholesterol levels.
Donating blood regularly can aid in weight loss, promote a healthy heart and liver, reduce cancer risks by lowering iron levels, and developing new healthy blood cells.
Talkington said giving blood is like church tithing in that you give 10 percent of your body's blood – 1 pint – each time you donate.
For information on being a donor, and limitations in donating, go to CarterBloodCare.org or call 800-366-2834. You can also read and download the attached Carter BloodCare Donor Facts Brochure above.
Also pictured above is club President Jimmy Walker.
Rotary Club of Mineral Wells meets every Wednesday at noon at Holiday Hills Country Club for networking, updates on club projects and activities and a program of interest. Please join us.