Blood Drives Save Lives

It was a red letter day at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital on November 10. That’s because the semi-annual Red Cross blood drive was held in the Schwaber Multi-Purpose Room.

Levindale employees, volunteers and visitors took time out of their busy day to roll up their sleeves to give the gift of life to someone they will never meet.

When the final tally was taken, 27 pints of blood were donated during the six-hour drive. There were four first-time donors. Sheila Pate, GNA, was nervous but pushed past her fears to give. She was all smiles afterward and proudly put an “I gave blood” sticker on her badge.

For Sheila and everyone else who donated, pretzels and two kinds of cookies were at the finish line. In addition to show appreciation, each person received a goodie bag of a cup, change purse, jar opener and pen from Levindale.

This time instead of giving out T-shirts, the Red Cross made a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in honor of every donor, which benefits the fight against breast cancer.

Forty people were tested for the drive, but for different reasons, they were not able to give blood this time. However, if low iron was the reason for the refusal, before the next drive, you can increase your level by eating iron-rich foods, which include raisins, spinach and other greens, lean meats, sardines and other seafood, turkey and beans.

The next blood drive at Levindale is July 12, 2010. The next blood drive at Sinai and Northwest hospitals will be Monday, November 30. The Northwest drive will be from Northwest drive will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Sinai drive will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

We need everyone's help to make our 2009 goal, which requires us to collect almost another 200 units. Members of the community are welcome to walk-in during operating hours in order to give the gift of life. Your donation is the perfect way to honor a loved one or sick friend, or in memory of someone during this holiday season.

Sign up today by clicking here !