Ephrata Legion auxiliary hosts blood drive today

EPHRATA — Every minute, more that 25 units of blood or specialized blood components are transfused, nearly 37,0000 units each and every day. Being prepared can literally save lives.

The American Legion Art Semro Post and Auxiliary Unit 28 is hosting the American Red Cross Blood Drive today from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center at 112 Basin Street SW.

The Legionnaires and Auxiliary host this particular annual Blood Drive every year, assisting the American Red Cross in their mission to provide lifesaving blood to our communities.

“Because it falls in October we can have a lot of fun with it; some of our volunteers come in costume,” chairman Mike Montaney said. “We try to provide a little entertainment and levity to ease the little wait between stations that is necessary. There will be the sandwiches and we bring home baked cookies, so everyone leaves refreshed.”

The use of the blood of one human being to save the life of another is one of the world’s greatest medical achievements. Thousands of people are alive today – happy children, young mothers, accident victims, the elderly who have survived major operations. The blood also goes to the aid of U.S. military.

The donor’s blood volume begins to be restored immediately; and, those new red blood cells can really help you stay healthy. About 40 percent of the population are medically eligible to be donors; however, less that 10 percent are the “quiet heroes” who provide the blood needed for the entire population.

— Staff report