Two Blood Drives Show Plainview's Community Spirit

A recent in Plainview for the American Red Cross resembled an audition of the popular television show American Idol.

Donors, who looked like frazzled contestants, arrived 15 minutes early Jan. 10 at the to fill out paperwork and anxiously await their appointment with the blood services nurses, or “judges.” The paperwork asked standard questions such as the donor’s medical history in addition to new questions, such as “how many times have you been pregnant?”

Then, donors were called to an available nurse, who would determine if they were eligible or not to give blood. Their temperature and pulse were recorded along with their height and weight. Many made the cut while others were less fortunate, like Plainview resident Sue, who was very disappointed with her results.

“I failed,” she exclaimed. “My hemoglobin is too low!” A few others were also turned away, due to their iron levels. After the routine measures with the nurse, donors were sent into another room, where two nurses drew their blood, and afterwards they spent 15 minutes eating snacks and rehydrating.

One of the donors, retired high school history teacher Noel Hauser remarked, “You don’t even see the blood, and what’s more vital is where the blood is used.”

The American Red Cross says that one person’s blood donation helps to save up to three lives. Since people can donate every 56 days, Hauser routinely gives blood five times per year.

Overall, Red Cross representatives described the blood drive as a great turnout with about 60 people giving blood throughout the six-hour event. 

In addition, icksville side of South Oyster Bay Road held a blood drive on Jan. 9, hoping to share this lifesaving gift with community hospitals. Following the drive, breakfast was served by Our Lady of Mercy council.