Altrusa, American Red Cross hold blood drive

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

By donating your blood, you are potentially giving someone the gift of life. Blood is something that is a constant need. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and a single donation could potentially save up to three lives.
On Monday, American Red Cross joined forces with Altrusa to host a blood drive at the Grace United Methodist Church. 42 people made appointments for the blood drive, and they accepted several walk-ins as well.
“I think it’s an easy way to give back to the community,” said Spencer Olson who donated his blood at the event.
The blood donated Monday can be used in cases of severe trauma from man-made or natural disasters as well as for transfusions, cancer treatments, heart surgeries, or other everyday surgeries.
“I’ve been donating every time I could since I was 17,” said Kristin Fagan. Fagan said that she began donating while she was in high school and got into the habit of donating as much as possible. “I’m healthy and able, so I don’t see a reason not to,” said Fagan. “It seems like a good thing to do.
Cindy Hutcherson, president of Altrusa of Copperas Cove Texas, said that their group’s primary mission is promoting literacy, but that they help with many other charitable events as well. She said that it doesn’t cost them anything to hold the blood drive, but the benefits for others are huge.
Hutcherson said that the group will be holding another blood drive June 19.
Altrusa meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at Giovani’s at noon. Those interested in joining Altrusa or finding out more information about the group are welcome to join a meeting or check them out on Facebook.