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Emergency management is simply dealing with the ‘what-ifs’! You try to figure out ‘what-if’ and then figure at least one way of handling it. It doesn’t matter how big or how small, there is always at least one way to handle any situation that you face.

September 11th of 2001 dealt us all a huge blow but we immediately began to wonder – what can I do right now? There were many calls for some form of disaster management and there were classes taught by the American Red Cross. There were many calls for donations of all types and we did what we could.

One day a dear friend of mine walked into my office and wanted to discuss a blood drive. There had been many calls for one to both of our offices but there was such a need for blood that many of the centers were requesting that you COME to them not the other way around. She mentioned that our school registrar was dealing with Scott and White for her blood transfusions and maybe we could talk to them. And so it began…

On January of 2002, San Saba County and Scott & White had the first blood drive. It’s now October of 2009 and on the 20th we will have our 31st blood drive. Every time that I set up for a drive I can hear both of those ladies reminding me that this is something that nearly everyone can do. There are many who have medical reasons that they can’t but they can send us someone in their place. There are many who have fears but they can come and be part of something bigger than themselves. There are many that do it because they can…..they do it because ‘what-if’ they need it one day….’what-if’ someone in their family needs it.

There are many who, over the years, have continued to support these drives for one reason or another. There are those that work in the background to make sure that each drive is available to all of them that choose to participate. San Saba I.S.D. has been a faithful supporter for all of these drives in the past and have allowed us to take over a portion of their campus for the ‘what-ifs ‘that are out there. The drive on October 20th will be in a new location – at the San Saba County Courthouse. This change is not due to any problems with the school or their staff but largely because I need more bodies!!! There is a faithful core of those that donate every chance that they get but the numbers are falling and I’m hoping that by moving it to our main street in town – right at the courthouse will serve as a reminder of how you can participate and help out your neighbors.

I want to take this opportunity to say Thank You to everyone at SSISD for all their support (and hope that the change of location won’t stop you from donating!!!!!!) And ask each of you to remember how simple this procedure is and how this can be one of your ways to prepare for the ‘what-ifs’ out there!!

For more information on the October Blood Drive, call me at 372-8570.