For months now we have been hearing about the blood shortage on Long Island and across the nation. It is very easy to look at the articles about it or the letters we receive, and think that somebody else will take care of it. Like in so many things we just assume that we won't make a difference. It is true that in many things, as an individual, you may not be able to make a difference but in this instance one person can save up to five lives.

I understand why people may not want to give blood. The idea of someone sticking you with a needle and drawing your blood is not a very pleasant one, which is why I never wanted to donate blood. Until recently I probably would have been one of those people who ignored all the notices on the blood drives, but then I found out how the blood shortage affects the people and the families of the people who need blood. Someone very close to me has not been able to receive a necessary treatment because of the nationwide blood shortage and it has really hit home. All of a sudden it is not just faceless people in some hospital who need the blood, it is someone I know and care about. I'm asking you, not to do what I did. Please don't wait until you are personally affected by the blood shortage because it may be too late by then.

Just remember that one person can make a difference. One pint of blood can save up to five lives. Please look for the announcement about area blood drives in this week's issue.

Every week I get phone calls from people who would like to express an opinion about something that is happening in the area. I tell these people that they are always free to express their opinions, unless it is a personal attack on someone, in a letter to the editor that the Tribune will print.These letters are rare. I urge all of you to take the initiative and write your opinions down. Once printed in the Tribune, you may find there are other people out there who feel the same way you do. At least you will know that you have done your part to make a difference.