"Area blood banks merge" (Jan. 28) is another well-written article by the Tribune's award-winning Mary Shedden. January was National Blood Donor Month, and America needs more quiet heroes.
Only 4 percent of the eligible population provides the red cells, platelets and plasma needed every 2 seconds for 300 million-plus Americans. There are two good reasons and a great one to donate blood: It's good for the donor. The donor receives a mini-medical checkup. Men who are regular donors reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke by 50 percent. For men and women, the risk of liver, lung, colon, stomach and throat cancers are reduced.
It's good for the community. A safe and ample blood supply is maintained.
It's great for trauma, transplant, burn, cancer and anemia patients. They are grateful beyond words that a quiet hero used 30 minutes to provide a lifesaving gift.
I hope The Tampa Tribune, News Channel 8, Centro Tampa, TBO and Verizon Corp. will continue in 2012 the "Kindness" project that supports food, toy and blood drives.
Bob Wise
Tampa
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