A mere six months ago, it seemed that giving blood was the thing to do. In immediate response to the events of Sept. 11, the numbers of blood donations skyrocketed. In September, lines to give blood often lasted more than three hours. The interest and impact was enormous and crucially important in a time of uncertainty and concern.
I specifically remember a conversation I had with an employee of the American Red Cross Donor Services department in early October. She informed me that the way in which this country donates blood was going to be permanently changed by the events of Sept. 11 and the heightened awareness of the need of constant blood donations.
Sadly, this has not been the case. As early as Christmas, the Red Cross had reached critical levels in the demand for blood. The demand has not ceased since. Needs are at a similar level as they were at this time a year ago. And as colleges and universities (considerable supporters of the blood donation program) near summer break, the Red Cross is scrambling to meet spring levels before the tough summer season arrives. Why is it that the act of giving blood, which was so prominent and crucial in the fall, has reached such low levels of participation?
While there is not a simple answer to this question, there are several relative facts. Primarily, the public is not aware of the continuous need for blood. While the Red Cross is a highly visible organization and community, campus and corporate blood drives are quite frequent, people are not aware of how often blood donations can occur and how frequent the need is.
People can donate every 56 days (approximately two months) and are encouraged to do so. Blood has a short shelf life, and the resources of the Red Cross need to be constantly replenished. Furthermore, it is important that blood donations be staggered. This allows for a consistent flow of the resource to hospitals and people in need.
Second, there is a misconception that blood drives only occur after something happens. This was visible in the blood drives on and after Sept. 11. The blood that was collected on these days had to be tested, screened and packaged properly before it could be delivered. The blood that was of immediate assistance in the recovery efforts of Sept. 11 was most probably not collected in these drives, but rather was donated before Sept. 11.
I agree that giving blood is a highly commendable way of serving one’s duty to community. Also, I understand the patriotic and symbolic significance that now comes along with the process. However, the meaning behind the symbol has been lost.
For example, in a recent conversation with the Red Cross, I learned that blood drives for the one-year anniversary of Sept. 11 have been booked for several months now. At the same time, there is still a struggle and push to schedule more blood drives and increase blood donation during the months prior to Sept. 11. This indicates that blood drives have become a commemoration, not a consistent action for support of the blood program’s everyday demands.
Individuals need to realize that the need persists and the best way to help is to be a consistent and continual donor.
Matthew Alford is a columnist for Tufts Daily (Tufts U.),
courtesy of U-WIRE.