If it wasn’t for blood donations, Don Miller would likely be dead, he said.
Miller of Allenwood, and formerly of Milton, learned he was anemic after his wife drove him to the hospital, immediately following their 50th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii a few years ago. He was tired and weak while on vacation. His wife, Lorraine, said it became difficult for him to walk even a short distance, say less than a block. Doctors told him he could have died on the flight back because of the change in altitude.
That’s not Miller today. His hemoglobin levels are below normal, but he seems to be doing just fine.
Before having his spleen surgically removed, a procedure that required donated blood, Miller, 73, needed several transfusions of red blood cells. He can recall at least 16 units he needed between March 2005 and May 2007, not including a unit of platelets. Miller has also had other surgeries, including open heart, which again, required blood transfusions.
“I’d be dead right now,” he said, if it weren’t for those who take the time to donate blood.
Miller hasn’t needed blood products since his last surgery, but scores of other patients are in need of the life-supporting fluid every day.
Unfortunately, the American Red Cross of Upper Northumberland County reports blood supplies are nearing critically low levels. The shortage of blood donors poses a risk for area hospitals, patients and those who will be patients.
The ARC says donations slow each summer, but this season donors are turning out in far fewer numbers. A five-day supply of blood is optimal for the region; the local area has a two-day supply for some blood types and only a single day’s worth of others.
Candee McKee, blood services coordinator for the local chapter, is busy beating the bushes in hopes of rallying new and former donors. Don and Lorraine are lending their voices to the effort as well.
“I started giving blood because of him,” Lorraine said, who is up to a couple of gallons. “I do it because I know he can’t.”
Don’s medical conditions prevent him from donating, but he helps out in his own way by volunteering at blood drives and in other areas of the organization.
“Since he received so much, he volunteers,” said Tom Szulanczyk, the chapter’s executive director. “Paying it forward.”
McKee said blood, which cannot be manufactured, can help those who undergo transplant surgery and cancer treatment, are involved in a serious car accident and have premature babies.
In addition to saving another’ life, donating blood might just save your own.
The Millers had a close friend who donated and found out he had high blood pressure. He is now undergoing medical treatment for the life-threatening condition.
McKee said it’s hard to figure an average number of donors at blood drives, but they do have goals that are determined by the location. According to old records, donations during the 1950s and 60s attracted far more donors than the average drive today. The last great surge came after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, when more than 700 people donated at a local site, McKee recalls.
McKee did say that now allowing 16-year-olds to donate has been a success. Milton Area High School has embraced the new policy.
Even if you can’t donate blood, there are many other ways to help the Red Cross. Call 742-9551 for more information.

Jeff Shaffer: 570-742-9671
jeff@standard-journal.com