Ever dream of traveling cross-country, but couldn’t fit it in your budget? Present to donate with the American Red Cross this summer, and you could go far! The Red Cross is asking donors to “Give Blood & See America!” by donating blood or platelets.
The campaign, which runs from July 1 to September 30, 2010, gives each person who presents to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross an opportunity to enter a drawing for the chance to win a $1,000 gas card.
During the busy summer season, blood donations often decline due to vacation and summer activities, while the need for blood remains constant. While all blood types are welcome, there is a constant need for type O negative blood. Type O negative blood can be safely transfused to patients of all blood types. In trauma situations where there is no time to cross match blood, type O negative is used.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in 103 hospitals. Approximately 1,600 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demand.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 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.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. CALL 704-487-8594 FOR THE CLEVELAND COUNTY CHAPTER. |
