Congratulations, Patrick County!  Forty-one donors presented to donate and 39 units of whole blood were collected with a goal of 32 units at the most recent Stuart blood drive. That translates to helping as many as 114 people.

Unfortunately we did not have double-red machines for the second time in two months.

April’s average wait-time, from “arrival to table,” was 24 minutes. This drive saw a slight increase of one minute in the average wait time due to two Red Cross “trainees” staffing.

Thanks to all donors who took time out of their day to do their part to help others in need. There was one first-time donor and a one-gallon donor. Always remember, every donor counts and is gratefully appreciated.

Volunteers working during the blood drive were Christine and Laura Citrano, Noel Honeyman, Ron and Dee Manning, Patty Brunner, and Linda Smith. Thanks, volunteers, for all you do. Volunteers make for a happy place for our donors. I appreciate each and every volunteer.

Thank you, Moody Funeral Home, a long-time sponsor, for sponsoring this month’s blood drive.

Next month’s scheduled sponsor is Realtor Keith Gunter of Rogers Realty and Auction Co., a second-year sponsor of the blood drive.

We will be celebrating “Donor Appreciation Day” during May and June blood drives. We will be offering hot dogs with all the fixings and baked beans to all donors.

Next month’s blood drive is scheduled on Tuesday, May 2 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rotary Field in the John D. Hooker Memorial Building in Stuart. Just remember the first Tuesday of every month.

Please consider giving blood. Make a difference in your life as well as the lives of others in need.

Thank you again, Patrick County, for making the April blood drive such a success!

Gene Stirewalt
Patrick County Blood
Drive Coordinator