Brother Harry Woods, 95, hosted his last blood drive on Oct. 8, 2024, at Eureka-West Shore Lodge No. 302, Mechanicsburg. Having served as the lodge’s Blood Chairman for over 35 years, Harry was integral in the collection of over 1,700 units of blood, which translates into saving up to 5,100 lives. In addition, the lodge donated the $10 per pint it received from the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program to the Children’s Dyslexia Center in Harrisburg. The lodge celebrated Harry’s service with cake and ice cream, and Harry received numerous accolades for his dedication.

Your blood donation goes through several steps in its way to helping someone in need.

There are very specific ways in which blood types must be matched for a safe transfusion. The right blood transfusion can mean the difference between life and death. 

Although an estimated 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood at any given time, less than 10% of those eligible actually do, according to the American Red Cross. Many people don’t give blood due to misconceptions about the risks involved or their eligibility to donate.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Learn how you can prepare to give blood, and what steps to take afterwards, to make it easy to help.

8 Steps to a Successful Blood Drive By Richard D. Knox, PM Valley Lodge # 459; Masontown, PA.