Reach Out (I’ll Be There)

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By: Chris Franco

For the past year or so, every other month, I’ve been fortunate to include in my schedule a “cool” event here in Greenwich that I really enjoy. It takes place in a big, grand space, and a highlight for me is the Motown music pulsating in the background, creating an energetic and fun vibe. I’ve always loved the smooth sound of Marvin Gaye, and my spirits soar when I hear the Temptations, the Supremes or the Four Tops. As much as I enjoy listening to those soulful rhythm and blues melodies, tinged with gospel, more than anything they make me want to dance. And I have to admit that when I’m listening to those tunes I like the volume set high, and my exuberant new venue does not disappoint.

It gets better. At these events there are always friendly people milling about, and I often get to see the same familiar faces every other month – occasionally dressed in costume paired to the season, like in October when the event’s host donned a cape and fangs and greeted us as “Count Dracula.” And did I mention that they always insist on feeding me? Snacks are plentiful, and I especially look forward to the Brie cheese and crackers and the famous deviled eggs.

Sounds fun, right? Maybe you’re wondering why you haven’t heard about this before, and if I’m writing about an exciting new club, or maybe a fun “get down” dance party that I’ve dialed in to. Well, it’s nothing so exotic – what I’m describing are the bi-monthly American Red Cross blood drives that take place at Temple Shalom in Greenwich!

When I was growing up in town my father was a regular blood donor, and although I remember him heading out of the house and coming home with his “I Gave” stickers, I never really asked him much about his motivations for giving. The American Red Cross reports that the top reasons people give blood are to help a friend in need, and because donating blood provides a sense of satisfaction that you are helping others. They highlight that blood donations are critical to maintaining an adequate blood supply for our community, and most importantly, that donating blood saves lives. That all rings very true to me, but for whatever reason I had never really thought too much about the experience for myself. That changed about a year ago when a friend was in need of donated blood, and I looked for a blood drive here in Greenwich. I went on to the American Red Cross website and signed up for a blood drive at Temple Shalom. As you can tell from my description of the experience, I’ve enjoyed it and I now consider myself a “regular” blood donor, like my father.

I recently caught up with Gary Silberberg, who runs the Temple Shalom blood drive and who shared some thoughts. “I’m always happy to spread the word on blood drives,” Gary said. “My drive has become the most productive drive in the State of Connecticut. We hold it on the first Monday of the even numbered months.” Gary explained that because of the current COVID 19 situation, the upcoming April 6th drive at Temple Shalom has been postponed. Gary explained, “I had one set of signs ready to be put out, ‘Donating Blood Isn’t Taxing, It’s A Gift,’ which would have been appropriate for a ‘normal’ April drive, given Tax Day, but now I’m returning to my all-too-often used slogan, ‘Disasters Aren’t Scheduled, Blood Drives Are’!”

Gary’s blood drives are anything but a disaster. The entire process takes about one hour, is very efficient and runs like clockwork. The first thing you do is register, which happens at the registration desk and is done with trained volunteers using iPads. It’s possible to pre-register, which entails going on-line and answering a short medical questionnaire, which is recommended as doing so will streamline things and save you a few minutes at registration. Next is a “mini-physical”, where a friendly and pleasant medical professional will take your blood pressure and temperature, and prick your finger to obtain a blood sample that is instantly tested to assure that your blood levels are adequate for donating. From there you move on to the actual donation of a pint of whole blood, which will take as little as eight to 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 20 minutes. For the donation, you’ll be lying comfortably on a padded table while the blood is drawn. The time will vary with each person, and drinking a lot of water and staying well hydrated will speed things up. Lastly, after donating, you’ll enjoy a snack and a drink before resuming your day. Best of all is that Gary and his team of volunteers and Red Cross personnel have figured out a way to run an efficient drive with the subtle atmosphere of a music festival, which makes the whole experience rewarding and enjoyable.

The COVID 19 virus has created a critical need for blood donations. Last week Dr. Jerome Adams, U.S. Surgeon General, called on Americans to donate blood. “Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement,” said Dr. Adams. “One thing we should all consider, especially our millennials, is donating blood. Donated blood is an essential part of caring for patients, and one donation can save up to three lives.” Because of the COVID 19 virus, Red Cross blood drives will include enhanced precautions to protect donors and Red Cross staff and volunteers. These include having donor beds sanitized between every donor, assuring medically-recommended spacing and social distancing between donors, the use of hand sanitizer before and during the donation by donors, and having staff change gloves between every donor. In addition, all Red Cross staff and volunteers will be asked to check their temperature before presenting to work on the drive, and will not participate in the drive if they are showing any symptoms or test above 99.5 degrees. The Red Cross stressed that “We will always put the safety of our donors, volunteers and staff first.”

Giving blood is a simple, safe way to make a big difference in people’s lives. Please consider participating in a blood drive, I’m betting you’ll enjoy it!

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