Blood drives held Feb. 3, 24 in Polk

The American Red Cross reports that inclement weather over the past few days has resulted in more than 2,700 units of blood that could not be collected because of blood donation center closures, canceled blood drives and the inability of donors to attend blood drives.

Donors are encouraged to donate when weather and travel conditions permit. There is a special need for type O and type B blood donors.

On Thursday, Feb. 3, the Polk County American Red Cross Chapter, located at 231 Ward Street in Columbus, will hold a blood drive from 2 – 6:30 p.m. Call 828-894-2700 for further information or to schedule your appointment.

All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of two pairs of roundtrip Delta Airline tickets.

On Thursday, Feb. 24, St. Luke Hospital will hold a blood drive in classroom 704, located at 220 Hospital Drive in Columbus, from 12 – 4 p.m. Call 828-894-2408 for further information or to schedule your appointment.

All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of two pairs of roundtrip Delta Airline tickets.

“Although the winter weather has been challenging, the Red Cross is working diligently to meet the needs of patients in our hospitals,” said Joyce H. Brendel, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. “We are counting on generous blood donors to make sure that the blood supply is at an adequate level to continue to meet patients’ needs.”

The American Red Cross Carolina 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. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given safely every two weeks, up to 24 times a year.

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.

To schedule an appointment or locate a nearby blood donation opportunity, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.