Roll up a sleeve and give to a lifesaving cause
Winter is one of the most difficult times of year to collect blood due to weather and seasonal illness. As January marks National Blood Donor Month, The American Legion is supporting the cause by conducting its annual Holiday Blood Donor Drive from Nov. 24 through Dec. 31.
Legionnaires everywhere are encouraged to give blood and host blood drives at posts as part of The American Legion Blood Donor Program - an organizational effort that has existed since 1946 to help a lifesaving cause. Last year, the Legion’s program brought in 75,960 pints of blood from more than 49,000 donors nationwide.
Recently, American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, Va., held a blood drive where 59 units of blood were donated by post and community members.
“I continue to give blood because I like giving back to the community,” said Charlie Buettner, a member of Post 176 who has been donating blood since 1968 when he first joined the Air Force. “It is important that we support our communities and show concern for our fellow mankind.”
The need for platelet donations is “particularly critical right now,” said Gail McGovern, president and chief executive officer of the American Red Cross, during a recent call-to-action. “It’s important to remember that trauma victims, surgery patients, those with cancer and many others count on lifesaving blood and platelet donations each and every day.”
Posts and departments that donate the most blood are honored at national convention each year. Last August, the Departments of Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota and California were awarded for their contributions. Departments are separated into six categories, according to size, and are recognized in two areas: for post participation and individual Legionnaire participation. Post participation awards are given to departments with the highest number of participating posts and individual participation awards are given to departments with the highest percentage of individuals giving blood. See a list of the department categories at www.legion.org/security/blood.
For information on how to donate blood, visit:
- American Red Cross, www.redcrossblood.org
- American Association of Blood Banks, www.aabb.org
- Council of Community Blood Centers, www.givingblood.org
Posts interested in hosting blood drives can set one up by visiting the Red Cross’ blood drive registration page at www.redcrossblood.org/hosting-blood-drive.
As we prepare for a New Year, I encourage Legionnaires to support our annual Blood Donor Drive this holiday season and throughout 2017.