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. Companies and communities were booking and planning blood drives at a record pace. It was a topic that was inescapable in conversation and publicity.
The Daily ran several articles about the process immediately after Sept. 11. Media outlets such as Foxtrot promoted the importance of giving blood, while several celebrities and athletes made appearances at their local blood centers. The interest and impact was enormous, and crucially important in a time of uncertainty and concern.
I specifically remember a conversation that 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 (if not higher) than 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 continual 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 continually replenished. Furthermore, it is important that blood donations be staggered. Blood drives occur six days a week, while blood itself is constantly being tested, stored and delivered to hospitals on a daily basis. This allows for a consistent and continual flow of the resource to hospitals and subsequent people in need.
Second, there is a misconception that blood drives only occur after something happens, as an aftereffect. 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 comes from drives and donors before Sept. 11. The supply of blood was available far before the demand. Blood drives are not reactionary measures. They are constant necessities in order to keep an adequate resource at all times.
In reaction to the events of Sept. 11, the act of giving blood has gained more significance and prominence than the meaning behind the act. I do 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 come along with the process. However, the meaning behind the symbol has been lost.
For example, in a recent conversation with the Red Cross, I was informed that blood drives for the one year anniversary of Sept. 11 and the surrounding weeks 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.. This indicates that blood drives have become a commemoration, not a consistent action for continual support of the blood program and everyday demands.
While the trend of giving blood has clearly passed, it is crucial that the public understand the constant need and importance of giving blood. Local hospitals and patients rely on the donations of individuals all times of a year, not just in commemoration or times of doubt and concern.
The reasons for people to donate are manifold. Many donate because they feel it is their civic duty, while others have known someone that depended on donated blood for survival. Still, many people donate in memory of deceased loved ones or tragic events. However, no matter the reason, individuals need to realize that the need persists and the best way to help is to be a consistent and continual donor at all times.
Mathew Alford is a junior majoring in Child Development. He is also the co-coordinator of the LCS Blood Drives.
