BULLDOGS SPIRIT STRONG!! The Bulldogs Spirit is very strong in our communities! Residents are caring for their families, neighbors, and themselves by following the Governor’s Stay Home and Stay Safe and Social Distancing policies. Many are on the front lines in medical facilities, stores, restaurants and shipping and delivery capacities. Many are involved in making, obtaining or the delivery of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). There are so many ways that people in all communities have come together to help those near them and far away. If you are someone who is asking how you can help during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, please consider blood donation. A blood donation can supply whole blood, red blood cells, platelets and plasma. AB- (negative) is the most rare type of blood and is very much needed. O- (negative) is a universal blood type. A person with this blood type has the unique power to help anyone in need of a blood transfusion. Blood donation has declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Blood supply shortages have been reported in cities across the nation. Our nations’ blood supply needs to be maintained. Blood is used for many procedures from surgery to cancer treatments. Plasma is needed to increase blood volume and help with clotting (trauma, burns, hemophilia). People who have recovered from COVID-19 are asked to donate blood so their plasma may possibly be used as a possible treatment for patients who are very ill with COVID-19. Each unit of blood (1 pint) can potentially save up to 3 lives by being divided into red blood cells, plasma and platelets. A car accident victim may need 50 or more units of blood. Organ transplant and trauma patients may need up to 50 units of blood. Bone marrow transplant patients may need 45 units of blood. And a burn victim may need 20 units of blood. The need is great! Won’t you consider helping by being a blood donor or sharing this info with someone else? Thank you! We are all BULLDOGS SPIRIT STRONG!!! (*Check with the American Red Cross for your eligibility to donate blood.*)