To the editor:

I am writing this letter in response to the Jan. 18 “On the Street” where you asked citizens “When was the last time you donated blood or plasma?” I wanted to clear up a few misconceptions that I am afraid this segment might have created.

The basics of blood donation are you must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 105 pounds. Traveling to a foreign country normally is not reason for deferral. Visiting some countries in Europe will defer you for three months, not three years. Please contact the local blood center and ask them if you can donate.

Passing out as a result of blood donation is rare. The people at the blood center take great care to ensure that each blood donor is healthy enough to donate blood. The people that work at the blood center are helpful and will answer any question you might have, don’t be afraid to ask.

Being afraid of needles, while a problem, should not be a reason to keep you from donating. In the United States, approximately 5 percent of eligible donors actually donate blood. This is a significant issue because people need blood every day. In fact, the Community Blood Center must have three to five days supply of blood to meet the needs of local hospital patients in Kansas. To meet this supply, they must collect 550 units every day. Please help the people in your community by donating blood today!

Sally Landoll,

Oskaloosa