Marshall Gears Up for a Life-Saving Blood Drive
Marshall, Texas is getting ready for an event that could make a huge difference in the lives of many. The Marshall Lions Club has recently announced an upcoming blood drive in partnership with the LifeShare Blood Center, set to take place on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cammack Family Director of Funerals parking lot. This initiative is all about bringing the community together to help save lives, and you won’t want to miss it!
A Visit from LifeShare’s Daphne Skinner
On November 12, the Lions Club welcomed Daphne Skinner, who serves as the account manager for LifeShare Blood Center in Shreveport-Bossier. Skinner took the opportunity to share some pretty eye-opening facts about blood donation. Did you know that in the U.S., only 65% of the population is eligible to donate blood? Even more surprising is that only 3% of those that can actually do donate! That’s staggering when you think that about 33% of people will need blood at some point in their lives.
Skinner passionately emphasized that donating blood truly saves lives. In fact, one pint of blood can save up to three lives, and just a teaspoon can be enough to save an infant. With the holidays around the corner, the timing of this blood drive couldn’t be more crucial.
Why LifeShare?
LifeShare Blood Center has been around since 1942 and is committed to serving more than 100 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas, and South Arkansas. They’re one of only 60 processors in the world that specialize in rare blood types and are proud to be a member of America’s Blood Centers. Skinner feels strongly about using LifeShare for this drive, especially considering its closeness to trauma centers just outside of Dallas.
Cold and Flu Season Affects Blood Donations
It’s important to note that many blood donations typically come from high schools and universities. This can lead to a drop in donations during the winter break and summer months, especially since illness from the cold and flu season can further limit the number of available donors. This makes the December blood drive all the more critical for keeping supplies steady.
Good News for Military Families
For those in the community with military connections, Skinner shared some exciting news! Recent updates from the Food and Drug Administration mean that those who have served in Europe are now eligible to donate blood, expanding the pool of potential donors significantly.
Fun Incentives for Donors
Furthermore, participants in the December blood drive will walk away with a festive LifeShare Christmas sweater. Why not donate blood and do a little holiday shopping while you’re at it? Plus, it’s a chance to help people in need right in your community!
How You Can Help
Donating blood is a simple process, with the ability to donate every 56 days. If you’re feeling generous and want to make an even bigger impact, double red cell donations can be made every 112 days. If this has piqued your interest, check out www.lifeshare.org for more info on how to get involved!
If you’re curious about joining the Marshall Lions Club or simply want to learn more, their meetings are held every Tuesday at noon in the Panola Harrison Cooperative Building, located at 410 E. Houston St.. You can also find more details at https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/marshalltx/index.php.
Join Us On December 27!
Mark your calendars, Marshall! This blood drive on December 27 is a wonderful opportunity not just to donate but to come together as a community. Let’s get out there, donate some blood, and perhaps even wear matching Christmas sweaters while saving lives!
