When it comes to saving lives, lifetime blood donor Stephanie Pointer knows firsthand the importance of donating blood.
“In 2007, my father was in a car accident that required him to have blood transfusion,” said Pointer. “And so it really hit home for me, and made me realize just how important donating is.”
Only 2 percent of the population donates on a regular basis. That number has been steadily decreasing as the summer months kick in. Brandon Baker, senior recruitment manager for United Blood Services, said it is an unfortunate but avoidable part of the summer.
“The other 98 percent out there don’t donate, so whether you’ve donated 200 times or never at all, we encourage you to come out,” said Baker.
Between vacations and trips, there are plenty of reasons why people pack up and leave town. However, with fewer people here, there is less blood available that is still needed for life-saving surgeries.
“There is more blood that is used in the summer as more people are going into surgeries, and there are more traffic accidents,” said Baker.
These moments, Pointer said, make donations all worth it.
“The fact that you are saving lives, I think I can deal with a little discomfort occasionally to save some lives,” said Pointer. “If it means that somebody’s mother is OK or somebody’s child is OK, then I’m good with that.”