We all know the old caution about “fair weather friends,” those people who only act as friends when everything’s fine and you’re not really in need. But as Ira Riklis can tell you, the problem works in reverse when it comes to those who donate (or don’t donate) blood. Sure, when there’s a disaster that captures people’s attention, many folks rush out to donate blood. And they’re to be commended for that of course.
The problem is that once the crisis passes, donations drop off dramatically, while the critical need for donated blood continues. A single car accident victim may require as many as 100 units of blood, all of which much come from volunteer donors. One out of every ten people admitted to hospitals. And the demand for blood transfusions is growing faster than donations. It’s for these reasons that Ira Riklis makes it a point to donate blood several times a year, and urges others to do the same. When it comes to blood, we really do need “fair weather friends”!