World Blood Donor Day provides an opportunity to replenish the bloodshed

CONROE, Texas - When the country experiences a national tragedy, it brings out the good, the bad, and the ugly. In Orlando, Florida, the bad preceded the good, the good immediately came out as story after story surfaced of victims shielding friends from gun fire, and first responders confronting the gunman.

Now for the ugly. Numerous online fundraising sites have been set up by unscrupulous people to extort money from generous individuals. The official fundraiser for the victims is the Pulse Tragedy Community GoFundMe page set up by Equality Florida, the state's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization. Equality Florida is working with the National Center for Victims of Crime, to distribute the contributions. The Pulse Victims GoFundMe page is the site's most successful fundraiser ever, with over $3 million raised since the incident occurred, Sunday, June 12.

If you want to donate money, this would be the site to do so, but if it’s not in your budget, or you want to contribute another way, consider giving the gift of life...donate a pint of blood. Coincidentally, today, June 14, is World Blood Donor day.

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center posted the following to their Facebook page…

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of the tragic shootings in Florida. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has been asked for any support we can provide after the tragic shootings in Florida. Our first priority is the needs of our local hospitals. Once those needs are met, we may be able to provide support to other areas as needed. Anyone wanting to help can donate to increase the blood supply so we can help those in need of donations locally first, then extend our support to Florida if requested. We appreciate the outpouring of support from local donors.”

The Texas Medical Center being recognized as the largest medical center in the world, not to mention the number of hospitals in the surrounding area, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has a daunting task. There is, and will always be, a demand for blood. Those who wish to donate have several opportunities and locations to do so…

Today, June 14, Huntsman Corporation June 18, located on Jefferson Chemical Raod in Conroe (77301).

Sunday, June 19, Church of Christ - Conroe 1816 Longmire Road in Conroe (77304).

If these dates are not convenient, contact the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and schedule an appointment by calling 1(888) GVBLOOD. For more information about other area blood donation drives, or to schedule an appointment online, visit giveblood.org.

The Blood Center reminds us that we’re all somebody’s type, and that it’s in us to give.

#GiftofLife #CommitForLife