So many have asked what you can do to help me. Here it is. At some point I might need platelets. Nancy from atlanta blood services told me today that recently one patient wasn't able to get platelets when she needed it. I have so far not needed it, but many people do. Please please please donate. Come and say hi and head over to the tower. It's not the same as donating blood. They put your blood back and keep only platelets. Here is the email I got from nancy:
Hello! It was a pleasure meeting you today! I look forward to meeting your new fiancé, Natalie! I also hope to meet your Mom! I greatly appreciate your sharing your blog with me. I feel like I know you a little!
Per our conversation, the need for platelets continues to increase drastically as our patient volume grows. There are many obstacles to keeping a ready supply:
· Eligible donors do not donate because they are not aware of the need
· Eligible donors do not donate because of a lack of time
· Prior donors become ineligible due to illness or travel restrictions
·
The shortage is not just at ABS but in the state and the country. Please help by educating friends, family and colleagues through social media and word of mouth.
Please let us know if there are groups or organizations we can contact to educate and recruit:
· Employers (current and/or former)
· Church and/or Sunday School
· Schools or groups affiliated with a school
· Civic organizations
I have included some information below about ABS and some general facts about platelet shortages. I have also attached some materials you may share or find helpful. In addition to the ‘general’ patient flyer, I have attached an example of a customized patient flyer where the patient/family were able to tell their story. I would be more than happy to personalize a flyer for you. All I would need is a picture or pictures and ‘your story’!
· Atlanta Blood Services (ABS) has been Atlanta’s community platelet donation center since 1998. Located at Northside Hospital and in Marietta, ABS is part of the nationally recognized Blood and Marrow Transplant Group of Georgia, which has the best survival rates for matched related and unrelated bone marrow transplants of any program in the country. ABS is dedicated to serving Atlanta by providing platelets NSH and BMTGA oncology and transplant programs.
· Platelets are critical as patients with blood cancers and other critical blood disorders undergo radiation, chemotherapy and bone marrow or stem cell transplants.
· A low platelet count can prevent the patient from continuing with the treatment needed.
· BMTGA patients may use 50 or more units of platelets during the course of treatment.
· ABS depends solely on the generosity and support of volunteer donors to meet the needs of our patients.
I know that this is a stressful time. We are able and willing to assist you with recruiting and educating donors if you are willing to provide us with information. We want to sincerely thank you for any help you may be able to offer. Every donor counts!
Sincerely,
Nancy
Nancy Herring | Team Lead – Donor Recruitment
Atlanta Blood Services
404-459-8744 Ext: 7004
Give Blood. Give Life.
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I have all the brochures and documentation I will try to share here if my blog will let me. Please donate. It's two hours of your time but it could mean saving someone here or even saving me. I would prefer this over any gifts or anything else. This means a lot. Thanks everyone.