As people do their best to prepare for the holidays and enjoy time with family and friends, the thought of making a blood donation is the farthest thing from many minds. But the American Red Cross is asking people to remember the importance of their life-saving donation.
St. Luke’s Hospital and the Red Cross are cosponsoring a blood drive at St. Luke’s Hospital Wednesday, November 4 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Right now, patients in hospitals across the country need you to roll up your sleeve and give the gift of lifesaving blood, said Jody Flynn, Lab Director of St. Lukes Hospital.
Despite the fact that giving blood is easy, safe and takes less than one hour, only 5 percent of eligible Americans donate blood. To donate blood, one must be healthy, at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more.
Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. The Red Cross must collect blood donations each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders, and the organization works to accomplish this through its Blood Services regions. The American Red Cross collects more than 6 million units a year from volunteer donors, and provides almost half of the nation’s blood supply to 3,000 hospitals through its national network of blood
By sponsoring a blood drive, St. Lukes Hospital is helping save and improve the lives of individuals in need of blood. In addition, their sponsorship ensures that a safe blood supply is available at all times for all members of the community.
Call 828-894-2408 to schedule your appointment.