Facing a critical shortage of blood, the American Red Cross has issued an appeal for all interested persons to donate blood as soon as possible.
Blood donations for the Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region in May and June dropped to the lowest levels seen in over a dozen years.
All blood types are needed, but especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient.
A blood drive is being held Tuesday, July 12 at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church south of Fayetteville at 152 Antioch Road from 2-7 p.m. To make a donation appointment please call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Another blood drive is Sunday, July 17 at the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church at 179 East Lanier Avenue in Fayetteville from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A separate blood drive will be hosted Monday, July 25 from 2-7 p.m. by Harp’s Crossing Baptist Church at 1183 Ga. Highway 92 south of Fayetteville.
To find a blood drive or a blood donation center near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org.
“As a physician, I have seen first-hand how blood transfusions can truly help save lives,” said Dr. Jose Lima, medical director, Southern Blood Services Region. ”However, a critical blood shortage like the one we’re experiencing right now could have a devastating effect on a patient whose survival may depend on blood being there when needed.”
The Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to more than 120 hospitals and must have 1,200 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.
Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
Eligible blood donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make an appointment.
