Donna Statler, BRTC’s Dean for General Studies
POCAHONTAS, AR Mar. 11—”Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood,” according to the American Red Cross. As a young adult, Donna Statler, BRTC’s Dean for General Studies, recognized the continuous need for blood and has donated 25 units which is more than 3 gallons to the American Red Cross over the years.
“Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer,” states the American Red Cross, which is why Statler donates every chance she gets. “One donation can potentially save up to 3 lives,” adds the American Red Cross, so as a silver level donor, Statler’s lifetime donations potentially saved 72 lives.
The need for blood is even greater during the Covid-19 pandemic, so Statler encourages anyone who is healthy enough to donate to do so. “Donating blood is a simple thing that you can do to help save someone’s life. It’s much like being an organ donor. Once you pass, you no longer need those organs, so why wouldn’t you leave them for someone else? If I can save someone’s child, brother, spouse, parent, or grandparent, it is a small, simple action. I have had members of my family that received blood. If it hadn’t been for the donors, they wouldn’t be with us today,” she states.
BRTC Paragould will host a blood drive on Tuesday, May 4 in TC 113 from 11:00 a.m.- 3:00p.m. For more information, contact Katrina Bozarth at (870) 239-0969 ext. 5200 or katrinaB@blackrivertech.edu.