Writing Solutions

"We Can Right It For You"

…in the real world…©

a column by Gail Paparian

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

While I believe in planned spontaneity, I enjoy a certain amount of structure and stability in my life. I’m reasonably organized and try to leave little to chance. Before departing on a trip, I check for my plane ticket at least ten times. International travel finds me strapping my passport to my body the night before.

My office is usually organized, I am never late for a deadline and I resent people who are habitually late. I take that as a sign of disrespect.

My husband regularly reminds me that, “it’s not what you expect, it’s what you inspect.” In short, anticipation can fend of catastrophe.

Had enough platitudes? While recognized and well-funded national organizations seek cures for diseases, little ole me sits here trying to find a cure for apathy. I still think that more people should register and then vote… preferably informed. Sadly to me, there is too much apathy and too many people make way too many assumptions… like should they require blood, it will be at their disposal. This is not necessarily true.

The Community Blood Bank in Rancho Mirage services six local hospitals (Desert Regional, Eisenhower, High Desert Medical, JFK, San Gorgonio, Naval Hospital, 29 Palms). They informed me that 76% of Americans assume blood will always be available and 72% vastly underestimate the demand for blood.

After working on several blood drives with staff from the CBB, I have first hand knowledge of just how difficult it is to get people to donate. Some people simply can’t be bothered donating; others are squeamish and still others are deferred.

Up until a large percentage of troops were shipped to Iraq, Marines in 29 Palms accounted for about 15% of all blood donated. Returning military personnel will now be deferred from donating for at least a year. Other reasons for deferral include: travel, medications, lifestyles. Beginning July 1, in addition to all the other tests required by the FDA, blood donations will now be screened for SARS and West Nile Virus.

Of those who donated through the Community Blood Bank, 13,000 donated only once during the year. A person can donate every 56 days, so if one third of those gave even one more time, this community resource would be self-sufficient which means not being dependant upon getting blood from other communities or buying it in an ever changing marketplace.

Blood transfusions are not only needed for those undergoing surgery. Others who require blood are: automobile accident victims, people with diseases like AIDS or cancer, kids falling out of trees and new mothers who need transfusions.

Blood donation requirements are simple. One must be 17 years or older and weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, not gone to the dentist for 72 hours, had no recent surgeries, or a tattoo or body piercing within the last year.

Nationally, of those eligible to donate, a mere 5% do. Embarrassingly, those donating in the desert area register a scant 3%! We can do better.

Of course you should reach into your pocket and make a donation to your Community Blood Bank. That done make an appointment or drop in and become a donor. Blood has three components (plasma, platelets and red blood cells), so your donation could help three people!

The whole process takes about 45 minutes--- not a whole lot of time to save another’s life. Questions? Call the Community Blood Bank at 760.773.4190 or toll free at 866.507.5433 or the website – www.cbbc.blood-org.