A shortfall in blood donations last month may jeopardize blood supply, according to the American Red Cross, and the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society is sponsoring a “Be Part of History” Blood Drive in celebration of Men’s Health Month, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Monday, June 26 at the Historic Henry County Courthouse, 1 East Main Street.
The Red Cross said they were 26,000 donations short of the total amount needed to meet the needs of patients in May.
Officials said this is “concerning.” Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages, from 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.
Schedule your appointment at www.redcrossblood.org. or If necessary, you may text or call (276) 806-5022.
First-time donors, Power Red donors, and those reaching milestones are especially welcome. Donors will receive a $10 e-gift card to use a merchant of your choice and be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package.
“Throughout June, Men’s Health Month aims to encourage boys and men to take charge of their overall health by implementing healthy living decisions,” said John Phillips, historical society president and Ferrum College nursing professor. “In addition to regular checkups and awareness of the risks for their age, ethnicity, and lifestyle, it is crucial that men lead by example in donating blood.”
The Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society owns and operates the Historic Henry County Courthouse which houses the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museum which will be open during the blood drive. It is also open Tuesday-Friday, 1-4 p.m., due to generous donors and corporate sponsors, Carter Bank & Trust and The Lester Group. The building and grounds are fully handicap accessible.
