Emile Metcalfe began donating blood when she was 18 in an effort to save her father’s life.
After Metcalfe’s father was diagnosed with cancer and in need of blood, she discovered she was the perfect match for a blood transfusion.
“(Hospital staff) said, 'there’s a very good chance that you’re giving your dad blood,' and that really made me keep coming every eight weeks,” Metcalfe said.
Since then, Metcalfe has grown accustomed to donating blood every year at American Red Cross’ blood drives.
“You’re helping saving people’s lives, you know,” she said. “I am fortunate enough to make my own blood – healthy blood – and some people are not that fortunate, and if I can give them my blood to help them live a better, healthier life, I am more than willing to do so to give them a better chance at life.”
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American Red Cross returned to Columbus with its Rock ‘N Roll Up Your Sleeve blood drive Thursday and Friday at First United Methodist Church Outreach Center, 3602 16th St., and at Columbus Community Hospital.
The organization hosts blood drives throughout the year in the area in addition to its larger-scale summer events, such as the Rock ‘N Roll Up Your Sleeve blood drive.
Kyle Jensen, account manager and donor recruiter at American Red Cross hosted roughly 20 drives throughout June in various areas, such as Seward, Fremont and in areas of Boone and Colfax counties. The drive will be heading to Schuyler sometime in July.
“There are drives all over the town, but (Rock ‘N Roll Up Your Sleeve) is a special event with giveaways,” Jensen said.
Community members made appointments days before the event while some simply walked in. Each participant received a Rock ‘N Roll Up Your Sleeve t-shirt and refreshments courtesy of Runza, which sponsored the event.
“It’s a good drive to encourage more people to think about donating,” Jensen said.
Jensen added the drive helped make people aware of the growing need for blood in the area, especially with students being out of school and people taking days off for vacations.
The organization aimed to raise 80 units of blood, which included 31 units from the American Red Cross bus stationed at the hospital.
Jensen said the organization never failed to reach close to its goals each year, adding people have realized the blood donating process is simple.
”It’s an easy way to give back,” he said.
Nurses on scene stated one unit of blood can save roughly two to three people.
Just like Metcalfe, donor Jim Briggs also had someone in mind as he was donating blood. Briggs said he was thinking about Columbus Police Department Sgt. Bradley Wangler, who was shot during Thursday’s shootout with a 24-year-old man who was wanted by authorities on an outstanding warrant, as previously reported by The Telegram. Briggs said Wangler might be in need of blood.
“I just found the need to do it because I need to give something back to humanity,” he said. “This was the right thing to do to help people.”
Briggs said he has been donating blood for approximately 11 years and never failed to return every eight weeks after each donation.
“I got a call from (American Red Cross staff) and I said I would be there,” he said.
People who are interested in donating blood are advised to call 402-910-0681 to schedule an appointment.
Natasya Ong is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach her via email at natasya.ong@lee.net.