“Be Part of History” with the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society at its American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, October 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Historic Henry County Courthouse, 1 East Church Street, Uptown Martinsville.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Schedule yours today at www.redcrossblood.org. If necessary, you may call or text John Phillips at (276) 806- 5022. Individuals donating for the first time and those reaching blood donor milestones are especially welcome to participate.
According to the American Red Cross, “In the wake of Hurricane Ian, dangerous weather conditions and floodwaters have canceled dozens of blood drives, resulting in about 1,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. We’re urging people in unaffected areas to make and keep blood and platelet donation appointments to help ensure blood remains available for patients affected by this awful disaster as well as patients in their local community. Platelets and type O blood donations are especially needed.”
Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U. S. needs blood. Each year 4.5 million lives are saved by blood transfusions.
General Guidelines for Blood Donation: Be in good general health and feeling well; be at least 16 years old (16-17 years old require parental consent), weigh at least 110 lbs., and have not donated in the last 56 days. More information is available at https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html.
