As most of us shelter inside of our homes, it’s important to maintain our mental health. One way we can support this effort is by sharing uplifting stories happening inside our community. At Technomics, we encourage our employee owners to partake in philanthropic activities while adhering to safety guidelines set by state and local governments. We’re proud to share and highlight two of our employee-owners who recently ventured out into their communities in order to give back through blood donations.
Community Impact
Blood donations are needed for trauma victims, cancer patients, surgery patients, premature babies, and patients with sickle-cell anemia or other blood disorders. A standard one-pint donation can be used by as many as four to five children, providing potentially life-saving support. The onset of COVID-19 led to the cancellation of many blood drives, even though there is no risk of contracting the virus through blood donation or transfusion. Since blood has a short shelf life, this has dire consequences on the availability of blood for life-saving transfusions. If you are healthy and eligible to donate, this is one of the most helpful things that one can do for their community during this challenging time! Two Technomicians supported two different organizations with their donations, the American Red Cross and the Children’s National Hospital.
American Red Cross
Most of us are familiar with the Red Cross organization. They provide food to the hungry, shelter to the needy, and most notably, they support communities in need during natural disasters. The Red Cross has been assisting with the pandemic by organizing a plasma donation system and a blood donation system. In order to extract Coronavirus antibodies, the plasma donation is reserved for those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are fully recovered. However, anyone who meets the eligibility requirements is able to donate blood to the Red Cross. Steve Tracy knew his blood would go to help those in need, and he plans to give again as soon as he is eligible.
Children’s National Hospital
Children’s National Hospital is the primary children’s hospital in the greater DC region. It is ranked the #6 children’s hospital in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. Children’s National operates the Edward J. Miller Sr. Blood Donor Center, which ensures that the hospital’s patients have access to blood when needed. Austin MacDougall’s donation, pictured above, will help the children in the DC Metro area. After his donation, he remarked upon how easy it was to set up a recurring donation, and plans to do so as soon as he is eligible.
Sources:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/
https://childrensnational.org/departments/pathology-and-laboratory-medicine/blood-donor-center
