Photo: Doody's Fancy Dress

Every eight weeks over the last year, I've had my blood sucked. Not for the vampires. For patients of the Mad Doctors, of course. I volunteer for it, because the statistics are scary. We mortals are a bloodthirsty bunch.

Bloodcurdling Facts: Every two seconds in the U.S., a hospital patient needs blood. That's according to the American Red Cross, which manages more than half of the nation's donated blood supply. That supply is challenged to keep up with demand. They're often within 48hours from "empty."

I give to United Blood Services, which has donation centers throughout the western states. As I understand it, demand from hospitals in Las Vegas sometimes outweighs local supply. That's probably true of many cities its size. Thanks to more generous communities, there is surplus available.


It seems counter-intuitive, but blood banks have suffered during recession. They rely heavily on employer-sponsored blood drives. And a shrunken workforce has led to a shrunken pool of participants. 

How can that be, when so many more people suddenly have the time? I guess because people are more worried about how to get blood out of a rock than letting someone take it from their arm.

Whether you're personally affected by recession or not, your charitable donations lately might be smaller. Doesn't cost anything to save a life. If you're eligible, why not give more than Halloween candy to your community of neighbors? Find your local blood bank and make an appointment.