The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients now and throughout the summer.
Blood donations often decline in the summer months, especially around summer holidays when donors are less available to give. The need for blood doesn’t decrease though – every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood or platelets. In fact, a recent survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors showed that nearly half knew someone who needed blood or they needed blood themselves.
“Donating blood helps save lives and can affect people you know and work alongside every day,” said Scott Nethery, whose 7-year-old daughter Audrey requires frequent transfusions. Audrey was born with Diamond Blackfan anemia, a rare condition where her body doesn’t make enough red blood cells. “I am so appreciative of the individuals whose blood is within my daughter at this very moment. Without blood, my little angel would not be with us today.”
To encourage more people to donate around Independence Day, all those who come out to donate blood July 1-5, 2016, will receive a limited-edition Red Cross lunch cooler, while supplies last.
Donors of all blood types are needed now. Schedule an 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).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Tuesday, July 5, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Glenloch Recreation Complex, 601 Stevens Entry in Peachtree City.
Thursday, July 7, noon-5 p.m., Asa M. Powell Expo Center, 197 Temple Ave. in Newnan.
Friday, July 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Piedmont Newnan Hospital, 745 Poplar Road in Newnan.
Monday, July 11, 3-7 p.m., Fayette County Public Library, 1821 Heritage Parkway in Fayetteville.
Tuesday, July 12, 2-7 p.m., St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 152 Antioch Road in Fayetteville.
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.
