CityView Magazine

S PECI A L PROMOTION S ECTION In a world full of substitutions, there is one thing that can't be substituted: blood. Each blood donation can save up to three lives. Yet we fall short of donors almost every single month. It is a misconception that there is "extra" blood that is just thrown away. April Maroschak, Blood Services Director at Cape Fear Valley, sets the record straight, "Although some hospitals across the coun- try have blood products that may not get used, we have a zero percent expiration rate, and red cells are never wasted here. We don't collect blood just to have it; we collect it because our patients desperately need it." In addition to the benefits donating blood can have, including reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer, Cape Fear Valley offers a Blood Assurance Plan. Every time you donate to the Blood Donor Center, you are building credits. Donors are automatically enrolled after their first donation, and earn one credit per donation. Should donors ever have the need, they may use credits to replace blood or platelet charges for themselves or a loved one who is a patient at Cape Fear Valley. The second most popular reason people don't donate is they are afraid of needles. Other than the brief discomfort of getting stuck in the arm, there is nothing to fear about donating blood. The actual blood donation usually takes less than ten min- utes. It's easier to face your fear, by thinking about the person on the receiving end of that needle, the person whose life you will save. Who ever said doing something good for somebody was painless? Jason Brady, a local platelet donor, faith- fully comes in about every two weeks to donate platelets. Platelets help with clotting and repair sites of injury, but they have a short shelf life. They expire after only five days, so we have to constantly replenish our supply. When asked why he donates, Brady said, "You don't have to be a doctor or a nurse to make a difference. It's a great feeling know- ing that I can take a few minutes of my day to donate and possibly help a cancer pa- tient or a sick child." "No one has ever asked me," is the third most common reason why people have never donated. Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center is asking; will you please do- nate blood? On behalf of Cape Fear Valley Health's patients, we hope you say yes. You alone have the power to help save a life. It doesn't cost any money, just a little of your time. The power of a pint goes a long way. Not only could you be saving someone's mother, father or child, but you would also be touching all their loved ones lives by giv- ing them more time. The impact you can make is immeasurable and rewarding. We invite you to join us in saving lives locally. "You don't have to be a doctor or a nurse to make a difference. It's a great feeling knowing that I can take a few minutes of my day to donate and possibly help a cancer patient or a sick child." – Jason Brady Donating Blood BEFORE GIVING BLOOD: • Be sure you are hydrated and have eaten something that day. • Know the names of all medications you are taking. • Bring photo identification. • Either come to our donor center or to a mobile blood drive near you. • We will have you fill out a question- naire that asks questions about your health and risk factors for disease. All information remains private and confidential. • Donors will have their blood pressure, pulse, temperature and hemoglobin checked. DURING YOUR DONATION: • We will cleanse your arm and insert a new, sterile needle to draw your blood. It feels like a quick pinch. • Most blood donations last less than ten minutes. AFTER YOUR DONATION: • We will bandage your arm. • Help yourself to drinks and snacks. • If you're a first time donor, we will mail you a donor card that has your blood type on it. Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center 3357 Village Drive, Suite 150 Fayetteville, NC 28304 Center Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Every 3rd Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Search for a mobile blood drive near you or to learn more about donating blood, visit www.savingliveslocally.org. CityViewNC.com | 5

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