THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 5, 1996 TAG: 9601050002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines
Isn't it wonderful that during the holiday season (and other times of the year) everyone rallies to the call of the American Red Cross when the nation's blood supply is dwindling?
The Red Cross holds extra blood drives during the holidays because it knows that people will come out of the woodwork and donate a pint of blood.
As a regular whole-blood donor (three times a year) and platelet donor (24 times a year), I know the vital need for blood throughout the year. It would be fantastic, though, if everyone who comes out only once a year would donate whole blood every 56 days (or platelets 24 times a year). Then, and only then, would we not need emergency blood drives to fulfill the needs of patients in our community and across the nation.
The ``Gift of Life'' should be given not only on holidays but all year 'round!
MIKE SUKMAN
Hampton, Dec. 16, 1995 by CNB