I’m terrible with follow up; just ask any of my friends. But this time, it’s more important than usual I stick to my plan.

Over the years, I have given blood and it almost always has been an unpleasant experience. So much so — one time I drove to a bloodmobile site and sat in my car for 30 minutes because I was afraid to go in.

For some reason, my veins are almost invisible, at least when a nurse with a needle is nearby. I typically leave the bloodmobile long after everyone else and with pieces of gauze and tape up and down both arms.

It’s a reminder of my childhood when our country doctor would stop by with his little black bag. Let’s just say painless shots — the kind that seem common today in medical clinics — were not on his list of accomplishments.

But this isn’t about me. It’s about so many of our fellow citizens who are in need of help.

The following comes from Karin Renard:

Right now, the American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage. Hospital demand continues to outpace donations. Your help is vital.

Thirty-three units of blood were donated Aug. 16, 2021 during the American Red Cross community blood drive in Ellsworth, Kan. held at the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

“We were short nine units of our goal of 42 units, but 36 persons presented to give the gift of life. Six things you didn’t know about blood donation:

1. One donation has the potential to save up to three lives.

2. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

3. As estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood annually.

4. The blood type most often needed by hospitals is type O.

5. You may donate as frequently as every 56 days.

6. Donors must be 16 years old in most states and must weigh at least 110 pounds.

Those presenting were, John Bailey, Paula Bainter, Greg Bender, Karen Britton, Keith Bruning, Alan Byerley, Dean Choitz, Michael Choitz, Tisha Choitz, Jenny Curnutt, Linda Davis, Mary Fredrickson, Brent Goss, Len Haverkamp, Pam Hays, Anita Hoffhines, Sarah Homeier, Sherry Johnson, Donald Kempke, Linda Kohls, Laura Kyler, Jane Long, Kathy May, Grady Mueller, Meredith Musil, John Phelan, Tyler Renard, Geneva Schneider, Alice Robson, Rita Thurber, Peter Soile, Robert Steele, Niki Svaty, Peggy Weinhold, Steve Whetzel, and Joann Whitmer.

Working registration was Karin Renard.

The next Ellsworth Community Blood Drive will be from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, in the St. Bernard’s Catholic Parish Hall, Ellsworth. Appointments only!

Call 800-RED-CROSS or go to redcross.org to make your appointment today.

Give Blood. Help save lives.

A huge thank you to those that donate blood. I plan to join you Oct. 11.

Linda Mowery-Denning is editor-publisher of the I-R.