State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) is preparing to donate his 100th pint of blood on December 10th at the Addieville Jaycee/Washington 4-H blood drive in Washington County. A former Jaycee and current 4-H Leader, Representative Meier helped found the blood drive.
“Donating blood is a way everyone can take part in helping save a life. It’s a gift everyone can give during the holidays and throughout the year to help their neighbors and their community regardless of their financial situation,” Representative Meier said.
The average human body contains approximately 10 pints of blood, so Representative Meier’s 100th pint donation is the equivalent of his having donated his entire blood supply 10 times over.
Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region CEO Scott Caswell echoed Representative Meier’s call for everyone to take the time to donate blood this holiday season. “Whether your donation goes to a premature baby with complications, a car accident victim, a child with cancer or another patient, you are giving the precious gift of life,” Caswell said.
According to the Red Cross, winter is historically one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood and platelet to meet patient needs. Holiday activities make it difficult for many regular donors to make time to donate blood or platelets. Seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can cause some donors to become temporarily ineligible to donate, and winter weather can lead to canceled blood drives. Despite these challenges, patients still depend on lifesaving donations every day.
In addition to attending local blood drives, eligible donors can schedule an appointment to give blood using the Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).