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POLK COUNTY—The American Red Cross will hold two separate blood donation events this month in our area. The community is invited to help save lives by donating blood during Liver Awareness Month this October. 

The first opportunity to donate blood will be held on Monday, October 9 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of the Tryon Congregational Church, UCC, located at 210 Melrose Ave., in Tryon.

The second event is scheduled for Thursday, October 19, from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the Community Room of Steps to HOPE, located at 60 Ward St. in Columbus.

According to the American Liver Foundation, more than 6,000 liver transplants are performed yearly in the U.S., making it the second most common transplant. Liver transplant patients may require in excess of 30 pints of blood during surgery. Volunteer donors are the only blood source for those needing transfusions.

A blood donor card or driver’s license is required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. 

To make an appointment or to learn more, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. 

 

Submitted by Gail Barksdale