Perry Hall Church Hosts Franklin Square Blood Drive

UPDATE (April 20)—The blood drive as been cancelled due to a lack of donors.

ORIGINAL—It's been a fairly crazy week to say the least.

Tragedies in both Boston and Texas have raised awareness of the need for blood and the good people who will/can give it.

It was reported that marathon runners, after crossing the finish line, continued jogging to Boston-area hospitals to give blood to the victims of the bombings.

Too often the call for blood donations goes unheeded—until disaster strikes.

I know this having donated 20+ pints of blood to the American Red Cross in my life. That's two humans worth of blood for those keep score.

I cherish the Red Cross and its response to calamity across this great country, but have we forgotten about home?

This weekend, St. Michael Lutheran Church is hosting a blood drive to specifically benefit Medstar Franklin Square Hospital.

"Per usual, there is a blood shortage that needs to be met and any blood donated that day will stay in the community," Carolyn Kelly, a volunteer parish nurse, said.

We can hope that things like the Boston bombings or the Texas fertilizer plant explosion are tragedies that we'll never experience in our little corner of Baltimore County. But we can be ready, just in case.

Anyone interested in donating can contact Kelly directly at (410) 256-8921 or by email at kellycarol2@msn.com. Walk-ins are welcome on Sunday April 21 between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the fellowship hall at 9534 Belair Rd.

Refer to the American Red Cross eligibility requirements before donating.

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