Mega Doctor News
The Coronavirus pandemic has dramatically impacted the local blood supply in the Rio Grande Valley. Before COVID, blood donation events could be found regularly. However, since COVID, our local blood supply and blood drives have dwindled.
As COVID-positive numbers continue to decline in the Valley, hospitals are in need of blood donations for medical procedures postponed during the pandemic. Blood donations are necessary not only for these medical procedures, but also to treat accident victims, cancer patients, and others.
Liam Arney, a senior at McAllen High School and a candidate for the highest rank in Scouting, Eagle Scout, will host a blood drive in coordination with Vitalant Blood Services Sunday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Parish Hall at Lark Avenue and 23rd Street in McAllen. Anyone interested in donating may sign up in advance with the event QR code on the event flier. This will also allow Vitalant to plan staffing needs for the event. Walk-ins will also be accepted.
“As I looked at options for my Eagle Scout project,” Arney said, “it became clear to me that a blood drive would have the most significant impact on our community. It is an honor for me to plan, prepare, and host this blood drive. Knowing that every Vitalant blood donation stays in the Valley, I can’t help but think of the individuals who live here whose lives may be saved by the blood donated November 7.”
During the most difficult stages of the pandemic, the one way people could help others was to open their wallets, Arney explained. Now there is an opportunity for people to give–and it won’t cost a cent! By taking 30 minutes out of your day, a blood donor can not only help our local blood bank and our community but can also help an aspiring Eagle Scout.
