It’s been a long hot summer for health care reform, and even political junkies like me are tired of seeing these combative Town Hall meetings that have generated more heat than light.

It seems to me that amidst all the sound and fury we are losing sight of what we are really trying to accomplish, which is making sure everyone gets the health care they need.

Maybe if we spent less time shouting about health care and more time doing something to really help people we could do more good. Just look at what Red Cross volunteers did this summer: they turned out to help at blood drives collecting blood that actually saves lives.

• At the Heartland Chapter in Omaha, a group of 12 new youth volunteers made calls and scheduled 70 blood donor appointments.
• At other Red Cross chapters across the country, people were getting trained in CPR, water safety and other life-saving skills.
• Red Cross volunteers also provided support for wounded warriors in military and VA hospitals to help with their recovery.

So while health care reform is important, let’s acknowledge that it doesn’t take Congress or the President to improve the care of others and even save their lives. With Red Cross training and programs, we all can do our part.

Filed under: Blood, Health & Safety, Preparedness