American Red Cross Hold Gilmer County Blood Drive - Wednesday, 05.09.12
Help the American Red Cross Save the Day. Donate Blood.
Every two seconds someone in this country needs blood.
These needs continue day and night, and not just during the cold winter or hot summer months. The American Red Cross asks: Will you help save the day?
According to John Hagins, CEO of American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Blood Services, each weekday the 100-county Blood Services Region needs to have at least 1,000 blood donors to help meet the needs of patients in the hospitals served.
All blood types are needed every day. “It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, male or female, or what race you are, the Red Cross needs you to help save the day for patients needing blood transfusions,” Hagins said.
“There is no artificial blood or drug that can replace the blood or platelet donation made by a volunteer blood donor. Although medical personnel are highly trained and have access to the most modern equipment, when blood or platelet transfusions are needed, the supply comes from volunteer donors.”
He added that while 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, less than 10% of those eligible do so annually.
According to Hagins, trauma victims, surgical patients and people being treated for cancer are the biggest users of blood and blood products. A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood. Cancer patients could receive daily transfusions of red blood cells and platelets while receiving chemotherapy.
There will be a Red Cross blood drive at Glenville Baptist Church, on Wednesday, May 09, from Noon to 6:00 PM.
The church is located at 271 E. Main Street in Glenville.
Area residents are urged to make a commitment to donate blood. All blood types are needed, but there has been a high demand for types O positive, O negative and B negative and individuals who have those blood types are especially needed.
The blood drive is sponsored by the Marthas and Marys of Gilmer County Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 in some states with a signed Parental Consent Form), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Eligible donors can call 1.800.RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information and to make a blood donation appointment.
~~ Cheryl Gergely, Red Cross Communications Manager ~~
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