January 12, 2023 |
The Towns of Encampment and Saratoga are hosting annual blood drives next week in the Platte Valley. Vitalant Blood Donations, a non-profit organization that provides blood to hospitals, will operate the two events.
The first will be held at the Grand Encampment Opera House on Monday, January 16, from 3 to 6:30pm. It is hosted in part by the Encampment National Honor society.
On Wednesday, January 18, Vitalant will be in Saratoga. The Valley Service Organization is hosting the event at the Platte Valley Community Center. Roxie Baldwin, a VSO volunteer, is organizing the Saratoga event. Baldwin said donors are needed to make up for post-Covid shortages.
Pictured above: Photo courtesy Vitalant.
According to the American Red Cross, every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. However, only three percent of the population donates blood. While donors are desperately needed, Baldwin said some medical conditions may prevent a person from giving blood.
Baldwin is attempting to fill the schedule with volunteers. Fifty total donation appointments were available on the 18th. As of the writing of this story, Baldwin said she had filled only 15 slots. The VSO volunteer said she has plenty of appointments available in the middle of the afternoon.
Blood donations are at a 10-year low. The pandemic cut the number of volunteers by 10%. The blood collected during one draw has the potential to save 3 lives. Baldwin said she donates blood for the satisfaction of knowing she is helping people in need.
If you would like to participate in the blood drive, make an appointment through Vitalant’s website at donors.vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825. To make an appointment to donate at the Platte Valley Community Center, you may call Valley Service Organization volunteer, Roxie Baldwin, at 307-329-6332.
