News

January is National Blood Donor Month submitted by Kathy O’Neill RN, Parish Nurse

January is National Blood Donor Month – a perfect time to resolve to be a regular blood donor and help save lives.

According to the American Red Cross, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

Here are some ways faith communities can promote blood donations:

• Host a blood drive: The American Red Cross and LifeSource (now called Vitalant) work with organizations
  to organize on-site blood drives.  Our Lady of the Wayside & Vitalant will be hosting the annual Emily Holum Memorial Blood Drive on Sunday, February 9, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Father Mackin Center/gym.
• Carpool: If there are people in your congregation who want to donate blood but are not able to drive, organize a carpool to the local blood center.
• Volunteer: Congregants who can’t donate blood due to medical or other issues can still volunteer at blood centers and blood drives.
• Announce the need: Many people may not be aware that there is a great need for blood donations in the winter months. You can announce this need in bulletins, newsletters and group meetings.
• Prayer: May my eyes see the needs around me. Life is a sacred gift. Help me find an opportunity to make a difference.