Trending
September is National Preparedness Month. Local residents who have experienced an unusually wet and stormy summer are already experiencing a taste of what some regions must be prepared for constantly. And with those storms and floods came the reminder: Disasters can strike anyone, at any time.
When those disasters hit, organizations such as the American Red Cross step up in several ways. Often, they provide food, shelter and comfort to individual families; or relief to entire communities, with the help of their volunteers and donors.
They also help make sure our hospitals have the blood supply they need to meet the need -- for all patients.
For some folks, giving blood has become part of their routine. For others, it takes a little prodding, and this time around (through Oct. 18), the Red Cross is offering those who give a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Custom pickleball paddles are available, too, to those who mention "pickleball" when giving at donation centers through Sept. 30.
Local opportunities to make a difference include: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at Belpre Medical Campus -- Memorial Health System, 807 Farson St., Belpre; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9 and 16 at the American Red Cross, 3210 Dudley Ave., Parkersburg; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 1 at Washington County Career Center, 21740 Ohio 676, Marietta; 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Saint Margaret Mary Church, 2500 Dudley Ave., Parkersburg; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 7 at Parkersburg Moose Lodge, 1 Moose Lane, Parkersburg; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Dyson Baudo Recreation Center, 215 Fifth St., Marietta; 1-6 p.m. Oct. 14 at Sand Hill Methodist Church, 725 Sandhill Road, Marietta; and 12:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Williamstown Women's Club, 112 W. Seventh St., Williamstown.
"A strong blood supply is essential in response to every type of disaster, whether it be home fires or natural disaster," the Red Cross said in a news release. It's also essential in hospitals and emergency rooms, every day.
While you never know whose life you may be saving or who you may be helping when you donate blood or give your time or money to the Red Cross, there is no doubting, you ARE making a critical difference for somebody. Extra incentives are nice, but THAT should be all it takes.