Meet the need this summer and give blood
Written by 96870257 on July 6, 2008Omaha, NE. (July, 2008)> – July is filled with fireworks, hot dogs, parades and family traditions. This summer, the American Red Cross is asking blood donors to begin or continue with a lifesaving tradition and help Meet the Need by making an appointment to donate blood.
“The average blood donor gives less than two times a year”, said Dr. Reddy, interim CEO of the Midwest Blood Region. “It’s important to remember that you can donate whole blood every 56 days.”
Collecting blood during the summer months is often more difficult than during other times of the year. Up to 20 percent of blood donations made to the Red Cross comes from colleges, universities and high schools. When school is out of session during the summer, these donations can drop by as much as 53 percent.
The need for blood is constant, but during the summer your gift of blood donation is especially important. Give a little of yourself and donate blood. When you give blood to the Red Cross, you can change a life, starting with your own.
July Blood Donation Opportunities in Dodge, Washington and Cass counties:
7/5 Alliance Church Fremont, 7:00-Noon. Call Bev 721-6628.
7/8 Mutual of Omaha-Blair, 8:00-1:00. Call Lori 351-5945. Employees only.
7/8 Salem Lutheran Church Fremont, 1:00-6:00. Call Marilyn 721-6534.
7/14 Plattsmouth’s Methodist Church, 11:30-5:30. Call Doug 733-5137.
7/15 North Bend’s City Auditorium, Noon-6:00. Call Caryn 652-8663 or Lois 666-5214.
7/15 Murdock’s Methodist Church, 2:30-7:00. Call Linda 867-2089.
7/23 Blair Cargil, 7:00-1:00. Call Janice 533-4306.
7/26 Sinai Lutheran Church, Fremont, 7:30-11:30. Call Carolyn 721-4372.
7/29 Hooper Care Center, Noon-6:00. Call Sue 654-3362.
Appointments can also be made for all blood drive on www.giveBLOODgiveLIFE.org.
How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org 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. Donors must be at least 17 years old, 16 years old with a signed parent/guardian consent form in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin and must weigh at least 110 pounds.
About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.