I’m sure you’ve seen the bloodmobile around town, read about the Ernie Wallace Blood Bank, or viewed the ads on TV by the American Red Cross.  You know the need is there, but how many actually answer the call?

Well, one of our SPACE team members, Jessie, does.  She donates blood as often as she can.  She has a very personal reason for giving because of her mother’s health problems.  Since she’s now working in DC and is at the National Institutes of Health frequently, Jessie says it’ll be more convenient than ever to donate blood. 

According to Jessie, the process is quite simple.  There’s a short question and answer form to complete.  Then your blood pressure and iron levels are checked.  If you pass muster, you move on to the drawing station.  Jessie says it doesn’t hurt after the first poke.  After about 6 minutes a pint of blood is siphoned off and you’re good to go.   Jessie’s O negative, which can be used by any blood type.  However, if Jessie needs blood, she can receive only O negative.  She says, “It’s rewarding to save a life.  You can’t make blood so it takes people to save people.” 

If you’d like to give the gift of life, contact the Midland-Gladwin Red Cross.  it’s about 15 minutes out of your life that could add years to someone else’s life.  Don’t wait…donate!