Maria Parham Medical Center to Host Blood Drive
10/4/2011
Maria Parham Medical Center to Host Blood Drive
American Red Cross Urges Individuals to Donate
There will be an American Red Cross Blood Drive at Maria Parham Medical Center on Friday, October 14 from 10:00 AM until 2:30 PM in the Classroom of the hospital. Appointments are being accepted, but walk-ins are certainly welcome. Donors need to be at least 17 years old (sixteen year olds are now able to donate, as long as they have parental permission), in good general health the day of the drive, and weigh at least 110 pounds.
Information from Joyce H. Brendel, RN, the Chief Executive Officer for the Carolinas Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross says, “Many of you have heard talk of the severe inventory shortages that have evolved in our region and the American Red Cross system as a whole over the last several weeks. The situation is very real, and it is very disturbing. The current levels of many types are the lowest we’ve seen in quite some time. Surgeries may be postponed or cancelled as a result of the ongoing shortages. She continues by saying, “Patients are counting on the blood that we collect, now more than ever. We must do what we can to make sure that the levels of all types are sufficient, so that surgeries can proceed as planned and hospitals can continue to receive the blood they need to carry out their lifesaving work.”
ALL types of blood are needed at this time, and all presenting donors are eligible to win one of three pairs of roundtrip Delta Airline tickets.
There will be a double red cell machine at this drive, for those who are interested in double red cell donation. It takes a little longer than whole blood donation, and the height, weight and hematocrit level requirements of the donors are a little different.
Call Lee Anne Peoples at Maria Parham at 436-1116, or email her at peoplesl@mphosp.org to schedule your appointment time, for more information on how 16 year olds can donate, or for more information about becoming a double red cell donor.
Please consider giving blood—the Gift of Life!