Someone needs blood every two seconds. One donation can save up to three lives. Annually, 6.8 million Americans donate blood. Considering the size of the population, that’s really not that large a number.

I donated my first pint when I was 19 and now I am 70 and still a donor. My dad had leukemia, and transfusions helped buy him six good years. I am indebted to those folks that donated and gave me that extra time with him. He passed when I was just turning 25.

If you or someone you love is in a life-threatening situation and needs a transfusion, you will pray that the blood is available. Take a moment and let that sink in and decide to make a call to Vitalant or the Red Cross and schedule a donation. You may be the answer to someone’s prayers.

John Whitford, Butler