GIVING BLOOD

Giving Blood

Getting Children Involved

The age limit for donating blood is usually 17 years old, but the importance of donating blood can be taught to children long before then.

Here’s how to engage our youngest future donors:

Early awareness

Acquainting kids with blood donation needs and processes helps lessen any fear they may experience once they’re old enough to participate. Consider playing host to your own blood drive, at church, in your workplace or at their school. Take them with you to volunteer at the local blood bank. Encouraging them to donate their time for this worthy cause will open up new doors of understanding about how critical giving is to the health of our nation. We need more blood donors constantly because some of our regular donors may be unable to donate and the need is constant, Says Great Bend blood drive coordinator Corry Herrman.

Great Bend blood drive coordinator Corry Herrman has dealt with American Red Cross blood drives since 1991. She notes that the Red Cross blood supply relies on the generosity of volunteer donors.

“Not everyone can donate blood. Currently, only three out of every 100 people in America do. But every 2 seconds someone in this country needs blood, and the Red Cross needs not only its faithful donors of the past but new contributors as well.

“The donation can add days, perhaps years, to the life of someone in need,” Herrman said.

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Area Blood Drives - Schedule subject to change

Tuesday, July 8 American Legion 1011 Kansas, Great Bend 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Monday, July 18 St. Rose Auditorium 1412 Baker, Great Bend 11:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Friday, August 5 St. Joseph’s Parish Center 110 W. 2nd St., Ellinwood 12:30-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 18 Knights of Columbus Hall 1216 M Rd., Larned 12:00-6:00 p.m.

Information is power

Given the best and most complete information about donating blood, they’ll be empowered to do the most as young adults. Teach your children about the American Red Cross’ recommended donation schedule: Every 56 days for those over 17, since the body needs time to replenish its blood supply. Platelet donations are allowed once a week, and up to 24 times a year. Plasma donations can be made roughly once a month. Discuss how every one of these blood components has the power to save someone’s life.

Even those who cannot donate can help organize blood drives at their place of work, churches, schools or organizations to which they belong. Or they can assist at selected drives or Red Cross centers. The Red Cross also encourages current donors to share their experiences with friends and bring them to donate with them. — Corry Herrman. A living example

Take your children with you when you donate blood. It’s one of the easiest ways to get them interested in giving, and it also demystifi es the process. They’ll see that donating isn’t as scary as they might have guessed — and that, yes, there are snacks at the end. You’ll be a living example to them of how we all can work together for the health and safety of one another.

Other donations

Giving blood isn’t the only way to take part. Kids can help in a myriad of ways at blood drives or at blood banks, whether that’s by passing out drinks and food for those who’ve just donated or helping to distribute fl iers that raise awareness. Surrounded by hard-working volunteers and the generous people who donate, they’re learning about the huge effort that goes into regularly refi lling our blood supply. They’ll also be listening and learning stories about why people get involved, and what inspires them to give.

Area Blood Drives - Schedule subject to change

Wednesday, August 24 American Legion 1011 Kansas, Great Bend 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 31 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 5851 Eisenhower, Great Bend 11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Clafl in Community Center 409 A Street, Clafl in 12:30-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 1 Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine 4801 10th St., Great Bend 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Ellinwood District Hospital 605 N. Main, Ellinwood 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Crosspoint Great Bend 57 SE 20 Rd, Great Bend 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.