Above / Give the gift of blood on June 20 at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, located in clear view from the Riverwalk at 908 W. Jackson Ave.
The Naperville Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 Spring Blood Drive is set to run 7:30AM -1:30PM Sat., June 20.
Early on June 18, Blood Drive Chair Nina Petru sent news that the local blood supply is extremely low.
“You have all heard me say over the past few years just how important it is to ensure we have an ample blood supply not just in our own community, but for patients everywhere,” said Petru in an e-mail. “Summer time is always challenging. However, summer has come early this year. With all the weather-related troubles all over the country the blood supply has already been severely impacted.”
According to Petru, not enough blood exists to share and assist locations where collections have been sorely impacted by flooding, tornadoes and other weather events.
“They say a picture is worth a thousand words,” Petru continued. “I’ve attached a photo taken by me at 5AM this morning. This is the current blood inventory we have on-hand. It is about one quarter of what we should have. Every shelf should be full as well as the rack in the back.”
Most people know someone who at one time has needed a transfusion of red cells or platelets, Petru said. Individuals who meet the FDA requirement are urged to donate blood and help to ensure the blood supply is there in ample supply for the community.
If you are unable to meet the FDA requirements, help spread the word and send a friend or family member.
Every three seconds someone needs blood
Earlier Petru explained that approximately 4.5 million American lives saved each year by blood transfusions. Ninety percent of the population will need donated blood in its lifetime. Yet fewer that three percent of eligible donors regularly give the gift of life. Blood is the only gift one human being can give to another that cannot be manufactured, and currently, there is no substitute.
Organizers suggest that donors bring a family member or friend along. The process takes less than an hour, but knowing you helped save a life and the good feelings that brings to you goes on for a very long time.
To schedule an appointment to donate, call LifeSource at 1.888.427.4836 or log onto www.lifesource.org.
Walk ins, of course, are welcome, too.
The Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 is located at 908 W. Jackson Avenue. Plenty of parking is available behind the post.
