Reaching Out to Blood Donors in Smith Mountain Lake

In a recent article in the Smith Mountain Eagle, our local American Red Cross was reaching out to blood donors. The article pointed out that its blood supply remains at a critically low level, even though hundreds of local residents donated blood after a national campaign reached out to them.

As a long-time resident and top Realtor of Smith Mountain Lake, I wanted to do my part in assisting Virginia’s American Red Cross by reaching out not only to Smith Mountain Lake residents, but all Virginia residents to donate blood.

The recent heat may be part of the reason why blood supplies are so low. Many don’t want to venture out into the heat, while those who do may have elevated temperatures that disqualify them from donating. On a daily basis 38,000 blood donations are required to meet the demand. In order to meet this demand, someone must donate blood every two seconds. On average three pints of blood are required for one transfusion. Only 38% of the population is eligible to give blood.

There are many benefits to donating blood. By donating just one pint of blood, you may be helping as many as three people! We all know how good it feels to help others…and all it takes is just one hour of your time!

Donated blood helps many Americans. Much of the donated blood is used for accident victims and cancer patients.

We know that blood transfusions are often required by accident victims. But I was surprised to learn that 100 pints of blood may be needed by a single victim of a car crash.

Almost all of us have friends or family who have been stricken by cancer, especially since over one million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many cancer victims require daily blood transfusions while they are undergoing chemotherapy.

The American Red Cross website is wonderful. It will answer all of your questions on donating blood.

The Appalachian Blood Services website has the contact information for the Roanoke Blood Donor Center as well as other Virginia blood donor centers.

I urge everyone in Smith Mountain Lake and in all of Virginia to donate blood. The American Red Cross states: “The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™”

If you are one of the 38% that can’t donate blood, but want to lend a helping hand, you can always host a blood drive or volunteer your time.

I love helping out my community, and I love assisting those who want to buy lakefront property, so call me, Vicki Millehan. I have over 19 years of experience in selling waterfront homes, and am a long-time resident of Smith Mountain Lake.