Give blood during Trauma Awareness Month

During Trauma Awareness Month in May, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood and help ensure a sufficient supply for patient emergencies.

Dennis Weidner knows how critical blood products are in trauma situations. In 1996, part of his left leg was amputated following a farming accident. “Through the surgeries, I received 13 units of blood,” he said. Weidner now gives blood as often as he can.

Donors of all blood types are needed this May. Every day, the Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood donations to meet the needs of trauma patients and others with serious medical conditions.

Schedule your appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can then also visit www.redcrossblood.org/cedarfair to enter to win one of two grand prize packages for four to Knott’s Berry Farm in California or Cedar Point in Ohio.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:

Monday, May 16, 1:30-6:30 p.m., Fayetteville Christian Church, 114 Hickory Road in Fayetteville.

Monday, May 23, 1:30-6:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 576 Roscoe Road in Newnan.

Wednesday, May 25, 2-7 p.m., Peachtree City Church of Christ, 201 South Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree City.

Friday, May 27, noon-5 p.m., Kroger, 1101 Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree City.

Tuesday, May 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Newnan Utilites, 315 Millard C. Farmer Industrial Blvd. in Newnan.

Tuesday, May 31, 1-5 p.m., Auto Cash, 784 Bullsboro Drive in Newnan.

Tuesday, May 31, 1-6 p.m, Sam’s Club 4789, 310 Fischer Road in Sharpsburg.

Tuesday, May 31, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Glenloch Recreation Complex, 601 Stevens Entry in Peachtree City.

To donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally 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.