Blood donors can get tech-savvy this summer and help save lives at the same time. Blood and platelet donors during American Red Cross donor appreciation daysî through July 15 will get a chance to win one of five Apple iPad 2s.
ěThis time of year is crucial as we work to keep up with the demand for lifesaving blood,î said Joyce Brendel, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. ěAs people take time out of their schedules to donate blood, we want to show our donors how much we appreciate them and their commitment to helping save the lives of patients in need.î
The summer is typically one of the most challenging times of the year for blood donations. Donations often decline as schools are out of session and families take vacations. However, the need for blood is constant. In fact, it usually rises due to seasonal accidents and elective surgeries. There is always a special need for donors with type O negative blood. O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to donors of any type in an emergency situation.
The Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to 103 hospitals and must have 1,600 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.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be safely given every two weeks, up to 24 times a year. Most healthy people age 17 and older, 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.Eligible blood donors are asked to please find a blood drive and make an appointment to donate blood. For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, call 704-633-3854 or visit www.redcrossblood. org.
Thursday, July 7, 3ń 7:30 p.m., Cleveland IGA parking lot, 11745 Statesville Blvd., co-sponsored by the Cleveland Lions Club and Cedar Grove AME Zion. For an appointment, call Linda Gregory at 704-633-8984 or Elaine Hewett at 704-278-0661.
Monday, July 11, 1-5:30 p.m., Salisbury community, 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. West. For an appointment, call the Red Cross office at 704-633-3854.
Wednesday, July 13, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Rowan Cabarrus Community College North Campus, 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd. For an appointment, call Natasha Lipscomb at 704-216-3622 or the American Red Cross at 704-633-3854.
Sunday, July 17, 1-5:30 p.m., Concordia Lutheran Church, 185 Concordia Church Road, China Grove. For an appointment, call Shelby Karriker at 704-857-7051.
Sunday, July 24, 1-5:30 p.m., Millbridge Ruritan, 340 Sloan Rd., Salisbury. For an appointment, call Dave Kern at 704-637-9011.
Sunday, July 24, 1-5:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 108 W. Rice Street, Landis. For an appointment, call Lesa Ellis 704-857-7884.
Sunday, July 24, 12-4:30 p.m., Woodleaf community, South River United Methodist Church, 2880 South River Church Road, Woodleaf. For an appointment, call Rene Atwell 704-278-9185.
Tuesday, July 26, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Rowan County Summer Blood Drive, Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. For an appointment, call the Red Cross Office 704-633-3854.
Friday, July 31, 1:30-6 p.m., Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church, 750 Mt. Moriah Church Road, China Grove. For an appointment, call Sharon Hodges 704-857-0547.
The blood drive schedule is subject to change. Call the local Red Cross office at 704-633-3854 for updated information.