This past December marked the ten year anniversary of a medical procedure that found local citizen, Gwen Bankins needing 7 units of blood for a transfusion. She has been doing testimonial speaking for the Red Cross in MD, DC and VA for a while but really wanted to do something for the community after ten years.
“I understand how important it was to have the blood units available for me during my medical procedure.” You never think about the blood supply and if you are going to need it. I was going in the hospital for a simple procedure when I found myself needing a transfusion.”
On February 13, there will be a blood drive held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Encounter Christian Center in Charlotte Hall.
“For me there are all types of hero’s, but to be able to give someone the gift of lift is pretty awesome. My goal is to increase awareness that we need our blood supply to reflect the ethnic diversity in our community. The Red Cross needs all blood types to donate. I believe it is important for the community to step up and help save a life if we can. At any given moment in time it could be us or any member of our family.”