The American Red Cross is pleading for blood donations even as the Albertville Lions host a drive from 1 to 7 p.m. in Albertville today at the Parish Center.
The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations to help prevent a shortage of blood products this winter! Hectic holiday schedules in November and December contributed to about 1,700 fewer blood drives held, and 50,000 less donations collected, than the two previous months.
Blood and platelet donors of all types are needed to reverse the declining supply and help ensure blood products continue to be available. A shortage can be averted if at least two more donors – above what’s currently expected – come to donate at every Red Cross blood drive in February.
Looking for a way to give back to the community but don’t have a lot of time? The American Red Cross reminds people that in only about an hour, you can help save lives by donating blood and feel instant gratification.
Benefits of Donating
- It feels great to donate!
- It’s something you can spare – most people have blood to spare…yet, there is still not enough to go around.
- You will help ensure blood is on the shelf when needed – most people don’t think they’ll ever need blood, but many do.
- You will be someone’s hero – in fact, you could help save more than one life with just one donation.
“Blood is a perishable product that can only come from generous volunteer blood donors,” said Geoff Kaufmann, CEO of the Red Cross North Central Blood Services Region. “By donating blood, you can make a difference in the lives of patients in your area and throughout the nation”.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Individuals with blood Type O positive or negative, A negative, or B negative are especially encouraged to donate double-red cell donations. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission) weighing at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health are eligible to donate blood too.
How to Donate Blood
If you have not been called yet, you can schedule an appointment by simply calling 1-800 Red Cross (1-800-733-2767) or visit their website at: REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG and choose “Donating Blood, and Schedule A Blood Donation Appointment Today”, then choose the Albertville Community (ZIP= 55301) to make an appointment. Or you can call Jay at 763-360-3830 or Lee at 763-497-2413 and they will schedule your appointment.