I want to let everyone know about a special blood drive that will be held for me soon.  It will take place in the "old" fellowship hall (Ewell Martin Room) at J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 110 Third Street, McComb, MS, on Saturday, March 7, 2009, from 9 AM until 2 PM.   Please support this blood drive if you can, either by donating blood or offering to help out.  If you can't be here to donate this time, please try to donate at another blood drive, if you are able!

During the first part of January I experienced a bleeding colon due to diverticulosis.  During my five days in ICU I received twelve pints of blood.  That's a good bit, as I understand the average human body contains eight to twelve pints!  I am much better now, and don't require new blood at this time, but for every pint of blood donated in my name, I will receive credit on my blood bill at the hospital.  Patients are charged several hundred dollars per pint of blood transfused (unless they are part of a blood assurance program--see my previous blog on our Kiwanis meeting with Katie Swinney of United Blood Services ).  In addition to helping me with my bill, and more importantly, this drive will help supply the blood bank for future needs of people with various blood types.

Me when I was in ICU.  I actually look good here.  When I presented at the ER, my wife said I was white as a ghost.  My BP was 79/40!

Here are a few facts about the need for people to donate blood:

1. Every day, about 40,000 units of blood will be needed nationwide.

2.Every thirty seconds, ten people (perhaps one of your loved ones) will need blood.

3. About sixty percent of the population will need blood or blood components at some point in their lives. 

Every donor will receive a free T-shirt and cholesterol check.  To be given priority at donation time, you can make an appointment online at www.bloodhero.com (sponsor code jjwpm).  To learn more about blood donation, visit United Blood Services .  You may want to visit their frequently asked questions page, which answers questions about age and weight requirements, waiting time between donations, how to prepare for donating, among other things.  See also the donor qualifications page.  For questions regarding health, medications, or travel deferrals, call United Blood Services at 1-800-880-0743. 

Also, to avoid having to go to the hospital like I did, be sure you include plenty of fiber (fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.) in your diet, even if you don't really want to eat them!  And if you do notice unexplained bleeding, please get to an urgent care facility as soon as you can!

Best wishes, and thank you!