Helping others and having fun at blood drive

By DAN KEGLEY/Staff

Who knew blood donation could be not only a painless and noble activity, but a fun event as well?
Johnston Memorial Hospital Blood Bank and Wings Air Rescue knew it and they’re set to prove it again next week in an Oct. 8 blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wal-Mart in Marion.
An August blood drive with a similar fun theme brought in 34 units of blood, a “great” response Mary Ketron, a flight nurse with Wings, said she hopes to see repeated or exceeded.
The Wings helicopter will be on view, along with a local ambulance, fire truck and Virginia State Police vehicles. Safety officials will conduct child car seat checks and equipment demonstrations. After school, children can stop by for safety finger printing.
At the heart of the activity Wednesday will be blood collection from healthy people between the ages of 16 and 65 weighing more than 100 pounds.
“We’re really in need of all blood types,” Ketron said. “It doesn’t matter what blood type you have.”
The blood bank said it also doesn’t matter if donors are taking blood pressure or cholesterol medications, and diabetics are eligible to donate if blood glucose levels meet requirements. First-time donors 66 and over must have permission from their doctors. Donors under 16 must have permission of parents or custodians.
Donors must show valid identification like a driver’s license or a donor card, and must have eaten within four hours of donating.
The blood collected will be used at Smyth County Community Hospital, Ketron said. Now, she said, is an important time for blood donation.
“There is always a need,” she said,” but usually coming out of summer, we need to build up the supply.” Ketron explained summer, with its increased activity, produces increased numbers of trauma cases requiring blood infusions. The arrival of fall brings the need to restock the blood supply.
Ketron said Wings and the blood bank are planning to old drives every couple of months. Winter events will have appropriate but yet undetermined themes, and bicycle safety will be emphasized in the spring blood drives.