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Idaho Enterprise

Blood Drive Helps 141 recipients

Stephanie Peterson sets Dennis Evans up for his blood donation.

Last week, the Red Cross Blood Drive was held at the old stake center.  During the event, volunteers took donations from 39 donors, which will be used for those in emergency need of blood across the country.  The total donations were tabulated to be enough to provide emergency assistance to 141 recipients. 

While blood drives are always highly attended during periods of natural disaster and national emergency (such as following the attacks of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina), regular donations throughout the year are what keep the national blood supply sufficient to handle the daily needs of trauma victims and surgical needs.  The Red Cross from Pocatello visits surrounding communities throughout the year, and relies on the generosity of people like Dennis Evans, who has donated over 7 gallons in his time on the gurney.

“It makes you feel better physically and mentally to help people out,” Evans said.  “Plus, they send you a text when it goes out and you can see where you’re helping.  I’ve seen it go to Boise, and as far as Georgia.”

Evans, who has type O positive blood, is the kind of donor blood drives are always happy to see.  Beyond being a cheerful donor, Evans’ blood is in high demand, as O positive blood is critical in trauma care.  Individuals with O positive blood can only receive transfusions from others with O type blood.  O positive blood can also be safely transfused to around 80% of patients regardless of blood type.  It is also the safest type of blood for transfusions to newborns.

“They told me I have good baby blood,” Evans laughed.  The American Red Cross specifically uses the term Heroes for Babies for CMV negative donors with O positive blood, because of its high demand in neonatal care situations.

Couriers transport the donations to Pocatello for national distribution.