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Pocono News Section
Media Blood Drive Held Throughout NEPA
Media Blood Drive Held Throughout NEPA - Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 4:55PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Jan 6, 2010 @ 04:55pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- All throughout the day many people have been coming in to help their neighbors.
Lifesavers. That's the only way to describe the people who came out to donate blood at Wednesday's Media Blood Drive in Scranton.
John Gorel of Carbondale said, ÒIt only takes 20 minutes or so -- so itÕs a small sacrifice to help other people."
Each donation has the possibility to save three lives. Steve Lamber of Avoca said, ÒItÕs not that difficult to do and I think more people should do it...but for some reason there's a fear of it. I don't know what it is."
Everyone who donated called the process simple and painless, and most had personal reasons for coming out. Charles Neushall of Moosic said, ÒI started giving for a neighbor of mine -- when I was 18 -- who had cancer and I've been doing it ever since."
Others know the need is great and supply low because of the holidays. Right now there's a serious shortage of O negative blood. Gerard O'Neill if Clarks Summit said, ÒThere will come a time in everybody's family-life where they're going to be needing the product of this donation -- so do it for your family."
Only 5% of people donate blood. Almost everyone is able to. Yahaira Gonzales gave for the first time Wednesday. She said, ÒThey're really nice. They treat you nice and it doesn't really hurt and I'm afraid of needles, so..."
So there's no reason not to, right? Charlotte Wright of the American Red Cross said, ÒItÕs the new year. ItÕs a time for resolutions. Maybe you haven't given blood for a while. Maybe its time that you came in."
Besides the site here in Scranton there are also sites at the Waterfront in Plains Township, Genetti's in Hazle Township, the Fairlane Village Mall in Pottsville and the Community Center in Towanda. Each is open until 6:30. | | |
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