WLTZ 38 | Columbus Georgia Regional News & CommunityRed Cross in need of blood and platelet donations

NEWS RELEASE

MACON, Ga. - Like the Emergency Room of a hospital, the American Red Cross must be prepared to respond to patient emergencies with blood products 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Through the everyday support and generosity of blood and platelet donors, the Red Cross can be prepared to do this day-in and day-out, no matter when or where these blood products are needed.

"The Red Cross is very appreciative our loyal blood and platelet donors who give of themselves to help save the lives of others," said Mario Sedlock, director of donor services, American Red Cross, Southern Blood Services Region. "We would not be able to meet the needs of patients in the
hospitals that we serve without their support."

Sedlock stated that the support of donors is particularly important during the winter months. The Southern Blood Services Region has seen a 20 percent decrease in blood donations over the last three weeks. This decline is not uncommon during the winter when holiday planning, seasonal illness and travel often prevent donors from making their regular blood donations.

Each day, approximately 44,000 units of blood are needed for patients in the United States. In fact, approximately every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood. All eligible donors are encouraged to become an Everyday supporter of the Red Cross and their communities by giving blood or platelets this winter.

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities
Columbus blood donation center (7490 Veterans Parkway). Open Monday through
Saturday. Monday and Tuesday: 11 am - 7 pm. Wednesday: 10 am - 4 pm.
Thursday: 11 am - 7 pm. Friday: 8 am - 4 pm. Saturday: 8 am - 2 pm.

Macon blood donation center (3755 Bloomfield Rd.). Open Monday through
Saturday. Monday and Tuesday: 11 am - 7 pm. Wednesday: 10 am - 4 pm.
Thursday: 11 am - 7 pm. Friday: 8 am - 4 pm. Saturday: 8 am - 2 pm.

Blood Drives:
Cascade Hills Church blood drive in Columbus (727 54th Street) on 1/5/2012
from 2 pm to 7 pm.
Thomaston Civic Center blood drive in Thomaston (101 Civic Center Drive) on
1/10/2012 from 2:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
Department of Public Services blood drive in Columbus (1152 Cusseta Rd.) on
1/17/2012 from 2 pm - 7 pm.
Shirley Hills Baptist Church blood drive in Warner Robins (615 Corder Rd.)
on 1/19/2012 from 2 pm - 7 pm.

*Additional blood drives are held on a regular basis. Please visit redcrossblood.org and input your zip code to find a blood donation opportunity near you.

How to Donate Blood:

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org
<http://www.redcrossblood.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. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission 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.

(SOURCE: RED CROSS)