Community Blood Drive creates welcoming environment to donate blood

Fifteen years of life-saving blood drives at The Wave in Whitefish not only provides the American Red Cross a consistent supply of blood they can count on to send to hospitals to help patients in need, but also has created a multi-generational donor family.

The Whitefish Community Blood Drive draws longtime donors and brand new donors alike, according to local volunteer Merry Lynn Southers.

Since 2007 when The Wave hosted its first Red Cross Community Blood Drive, 91 drives have occurred in The Wave gymnasium. Through those blood drives over 5,113 donors have given just over 4,800 pints of blood, stated Red Cross Kalispell Account Manager Sandy Carlson.

She added that when the pints can be divided into three components — red cells, plasma and platelets — donations from the Whitefish Community Blood Drives have potentially helped save over 14,000 patients.

Longtime donor Dianne Grove, who has given 155 pints over the years, says she gave her first pint of blood in Whitefish in 1970 — she received her 18-gallon pin this year.

“When I give blood in Whitefish, it’s like a party with family. Our volunteers always have lots of goodies for us and it’s fun to see friends and regular donors along with so many new young people,” Grove said. “Why do I do this? My donation is a life saver for someone in need as well as a mini-health check-up.”

According to the American Red Cross, there are often blood shortages across the country and not nearly enough donors; about 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, but only 3% are donors. Blood cannot be produced or manufactured, it can only come from generous donors. The Red Cross says every 27 minutes someone in Montana will need blood.

The Wave management team is happy to continue to put on the Community Blood Drives that will help address the serious shortage of blood. For the drives that occur every other month throughout the year, The Wave offers up the entire gym space plus tables, chairs and various equipment. The convenient location also encourages walk-ins who could potentially become lifelong donors.

"The Wave has been proud to partner with the American Red Cross,” said Wave Executive Director Art Kruger, who is also a donor himself. “We are committed to continuing this vital life saving effort in honor of our community."

During a recent drive this year, the Red Cross collected 103 pints of blood in one day. A blood donation usually takes about an hour and those ready to give need to come fed and hydrated.

The Red Cross also now offers two types of blood donations at the Whitefish drives — whole blood and Power Red, which is when donors can give a concentrated dose of red cells. The Power Red is a newer option and it uses an automated process that separates red blood cells from the other blood components and then safely returns the donor’s plasma and platelets.

Red cells are typically given in blood transfusions especially in trauma patients, newborns and emergency situations. If donating full blood, a donor can give six times a year, spaced out every other month and a Power Red donor can give three times a year.

Ernie Moore is a regular Power Red donor and was the first to donate this type at the Whitefish drive.

“My Power Red donation of two units means that my donation now goes even further in helping someone in need,” Moore said. “Through the Red Cross, I learn the state and hospital where

my donation is sent. This is personally very gratifying. I also see so many friends at our local drive… giving to help people in need all over our country.”

At the Whitefish Community Blood Drive, all the Red Cross staff members are trained professionals while Jean Loercher and Southers are volunteers who help with the check in process and provide some snacks for donors. Loercher has volunteered for the Red Cross for over 20 years and Southers is in her 10th year.

“The Whitefish Community Blood Drive is truly a community effort — that is why it has been so successful. It takes a community to make all of this happen,” Southers concluded.

Another Community Blood Drive at The Wave will be held mid-September. Check redcrossblood.org in September or look for an update in the Pilot.