BANGOR – Those who donate blood platelets give hope to others.

We are asked to give in every direction we turn. Money here, our time there – can we do this or that? The majority of Americans still hold fast to what is good and true. They give of their time and good fortunes. We hold these truths close to the heart here in Maine. And, yes, can friends, family and co-workers – even total strangers, ask of us one more thing? Will you donate your blood platelets today?

What are platelets and why are they needed? Blood cells called platelets help blood to clot in several different ways. When bleeding occurs, platelets clump together to help form a clot.

When they are exposed to air – as they would be by a wound – platelets start breaking down and release a substance into the bloodstream. This substance starts a chain of chemical events that eventually causes a protein in the blood, fibrinogen, to turn into a different substance, fibrin, which forms long threads. These threads tangle up red blood cells to help form a clot, or scab, over the wound.

Such explanations may seem sterile and matter of fact. So whom should we ask about donating platelets?

Ask a child’s parents as they watch their son or daughter go through chemotherapy. Ask the 21-year-old college student who has an illness that has required seven platelet transfusions to date. Ask yourself – isn’t a couple of hours of my time worth bringing joy and hope to these people?

In return, we hear, “Thank you.” That’s all we need.

To schedule an appointment to find out if you qualify to give blood platelets, call Eastern Maine Medical Center at 262-8797.

John Ward is a blood donor recruiter for Eastern Maine Medical Center.