Americans at our best: Randi Thompson
On Sept. 11, 2001, we were all New Yorkers. On Sept. 11, 2017, we were all Texans and Floridians.
Sept. 11 is becoming a date that continually seems to unite our country, prompting us come together to help our fellow Americans in need. As the old saying goes, people are at their best when times are at their worst. In watching the coverage of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, that saying is truly resonating as we watch the Cajun Navy and other volunteers help those who have lost so much.
At times of such destruction, most of ask ourselves, “How can I help?” Obviously, a donation to the Red Cross or any other charity doing work in Florida, Texas, Georgia or other states impacted would be welcomed. But if money is tight, how about donating time? You can volunteer with an organization like the Red Cross. The Reno office responds to local calls for help daily, and also trains volunteers to travel to areas like Houston or Miami to help with disaster recovery. If volunteering doesn’t work with your schedule, how about finding an hour or two to donate blood or platelets; two products that are always needed, and that only humans can produce?
It’s not often that you can help save a life. But when you donate blood or platelets, you are doing just that. On Aug. 17, I got a text from United Blood Services telling me that the platelets I donated on Aug. 10 were being given to someone suffering from leukemia. It made me feel good to know that the two hours I spent at United Blood Services made a difference in someone’s life.
In talking with Teri at United Blood Services, I learned that I am one of just a few thousand people in Reno who donates platelets. No wonder I get a call from them every month to come back in and make a donation. I hope to encourage you to not only donate blood, but to ask about becoming a platelet donor. It’s easy to determine your platelet count, and the donation process is relatively painless, though it can take two hours. But hey, you can watch a movie and relax a bit, or read, or work, like I do.
If the process of donating platelets seems too long, please consider donating whole blood. It is quick and easy and good for you! Donating blood reduces the iron stores in the body. Excess iron gets stored in the heart, liver and pancreas. This, in turn, increases the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, damage to the pancreas, heart abnormalities like irregular heart rhythms, and cancer. After donating blood, the body is stimulated to produce new blood cells, which helps to maintain good health.
In trying times like these, Americans are at their best. Please take a few moments to help someone in need -- be it across the country, or across your street.
Randi Thompson is a political and public relations consultant. You can reach her at Randi@RandiThompson.com.