Over the course of two drives in November, we collected 63 units of whole blood and performed a total of 57 hours of service. The November 1st blood drive collected 35 units with 20 hours of service and November 21st collected 28 units with 37 hours. I would like to thank Lions Charlie Hertel, Joy Schwab, Warren Schwab, Bill Mahylis, Julie Sain, Tom Jackson and Marcia Holpuch for making these drives a success. With the multiple medical crises in my family over the last few months, I was not able to devote sufficient time to the November 1st drive and want to give a special thank you to Lion Charlie Hertel for taking the lead on that drive in my absence.
I have spoken with our INOVA representative about our recent donor turnout and, we are both becoming increasingly concerned that some donors are faithful to the American Red Cross and not giving INOVA a chance. It has been suggested by the INOVA rep that if the turnout continues its downward slide, that we may have to go back to the American Red Cross to satisfy those donors who are loyal to the Amercan Red Cross. I am puzzled by this because I have received nothing but positive feedback on INOVA versus the American Red Cross.
Our next blood drive is January 16th and I hope to bring the numbers up. Beginning in July of next year, we are adding a summer blood drive at the Izaak Walton League on Mullinix Mill Road.