Giving the Elixir of Life: Whole Blood
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by
Jack Reed
Jack ReedFeatured Photo: Red Cross volunteers Eli Hoemke, John Coleman, and Isaac Coleman. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Brown.
The two days dawned differently in Central Texas, the first clearing from a brief thunderstorm, while the second broke with a brilliant, soft sun. On the one hand, out of these two days, feelings of sorrow for the mounting numbers of loved ones passing on seemed too painful and too hard to bear. On the other hand, within these two days, rejoicing. Rejoicing, you might say, over what? Generous people giving a most personal, precious gift, delivered from their hearts: the donation of wonderful, beautiful, whole blood. Such was the case with the American Red Cross blood drives on April 29-30, 2020.
Hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the American Red Cross held successful community-wide blood donation drives in Killeen and Copperas Cove, Texas. The 63 pints of life-giving blood collected will be passed into the loving hands of ERs, ORs, OBGYN, and others, helping ease the shortages experienced in the supply system.
To ensure safe social distancing and other proper health protocols as required by governmental and health authorities, donors willingly and patiently waited in their cars and at checkpoints until called forward. Temperatures and health statuses were checked upon entering the building and then again before accessing the donation room. Those admitted found orderly processing stations in buildings cooled to a comfortable 69 degrees. Whether a high school student, a ninety-year-old senior, or any age in between, all shared in the sacred and joyful moments of giving blood so that others could benefit and live another phase of their lives.
As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the “High School Blood Wars” competitions from the local high schools, have not been able to continue as hallways are now empty and silent. These institutions normally provide the local Red Cross with nearly 20% of their total donated blood. With religious institutions and other community organizations stepping up and partnering with the Red Cross, however, donation activities can continue with focused care on safe, social distancing and sanitary conditions for all patrons and volunteers.
Please do not despair if you missed these two events due to being sheltered in place. The American Red Cross and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are planning another two-day Blood Drive at the Church’s chapels on September 18 and 19th. If you would like to donate sooner, please sign up for blood drives held at other religious and community locations throughout the summer. Just go to redcross.org and sign up to reserve your spot in the donation line-up. All citizens in the local area, who are able and willing to donate are encouraged to team up as a community and sign up to give blood. You may also find information about this and other volunteer opportunities within the community on JustServe.org. In short, we can never give enough blood.
Contributed by John “Jack” Cooper Reed, Communications Specialist, Killeen Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
