As a regular blood donor and a Red Cross Blood Services volunteer, I read with interest the Feb. 18 Columbian story “Blood brothers: After more than three decades, pair of pals continue to donate platelets” about Teddy Peetz and Bill McGinnis, who are longtime apheresis donors at the Portland Donor Center. Kudos to both men for their years of continued platelet donation to selflessly help others in our community. They and others who regularly donate whole blood and platelets are true heroes because blood products save lives every day.
While the story didn’t mention it, there are apheresis donation facilities at the American Red Cross Clark County Donor Center right here in Vancouver. It is located just north of the Westfield Vancouver mall at 5109 Northeast 82nd Ave. Those who would like to donate platelets or whole blood can call 360-989-2932 or 800-RED-CROSS to make an appointment. Donors can also go to http://www.redcrossblood.org and enter their ZIP code to make an appointment at the donor center or at other blood drives in Southwest Washington.
Jim Boline
Vancouver
