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Those looking to this space for perspective on the pressing issues of the day may wonder why it contains yet another appeal for blood donors and support of the American Red Cross's mission.
It is because the need is that urgent, and only growing more so.
Over the weekend, the Red Cross issued a plea for help, as the blood shortage that had already presented a challenge is getting worse. Severe weather including the remnants of Hurricane Debby has canceled a significant number of blood drives that might have helped fill that gap.
"The American Red Cross continues to experience an emergency blood shortage and asks the public to book a time to give as soon as possible to ensure lifesaving medical care is not impacted," said Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley.
Further, the Red Cross notes that because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in blood collection can have serious consequences for hospitals and patients.
Upcoming local opportunities include from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Weirton Medical Center Medical Office Building; from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Steubenville High School; from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Toronto High School; from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 13 at Crossroads North River Campus in Toronto; from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Holiday Inn Weirton-Steubenville Area; from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Bluewave Center in Follansbee; from 11 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Chist the Teacher Building on the campus of Franciscan University of Steubenville; from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Lighthouse Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Richmond; from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 30 at Crossroads Christian Church in Wintersville; and from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Catholic Central High School.
Think of the people you know who have needed blood or blood products -- perhaps their lives were saved because there was enough supply (and enough in the correct blood type) available.
Donating blood will help someone, maybe even save someone.
Those who are eligible to donate blood can do something about this shortfall and make that difference. Please consider doing so, soon.