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Despite push after push, it appears as though too many eligible blood donors believe someone else will answer the call from the American Red Cross -- and that's not happening.
The situation has become urgent, as the Red Cross says it has collected 50,000 fewer blood donations than needed in the past two months. That means the organization is sending blood to hospitals faster than it is coming in -- a recipe for disaster.
When a TV show needs an attention-getting stunt, critics sometimes refer to it as "jumping the shark." But as the Red Cross attempts to grab the attention of eligible donors whose help it desperately needs, it has teamed up with the Discovery Channel to use the 35th anniversary of Shark Week as a way to entice donors.
Gifts for donation range from an exclusive Red Cross dry bag, to the chance for a private shark dive adventure at the Long Island Aquarium.
As always, it shouldn't take prizes -- shark-themed or otherwise -- to persuade eligible donors to give when they are able. But if that is what gets a person on board, wonderful.
Upcoming local opportunities include:
• 1-6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16 at the Phil Gainer Community Center at 142 Robert E Lee Ave Extension in Elkins;
• 1-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 at the Phil Gainer Community Center;
• 12-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Orchard Hall at 476 Harper Road in Elkins;
• 12-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30 at the Madden Student Center at 100 College Drive, Elkins; and
• 1-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15 at Orchard Hall.
Find out more at RedCrossBlood.org.
And while you're considering ways to help, the Red Cross reminds it is gearing up for what is expected to be another rough hurricane season. Volunteers will be needed to help those struck by natural disaster, too.
Local residents have always shown a willingness to help those in need. The Red Cross provides a variety of opportunities to do significant good. If you are eligible, consider donating blood; if you are able, consider becoming a volunteer, too.