Area Residents Urged to Donate Blood; Supplies Extremely Low
News Release: March 31, 2005
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
With only about a day’s supply of blood on hand for the area’s hospital patients, the American Red Cross reported today the bloodmobile will make visits to this area.
Blood drives are scheduled for the following locations:
Wednesday, April 20, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Blue Mountain Health System Conference Center (formerly Gnaden Heutten Conference Center), Sixth and Iron streets in Lehighton; and
Thursday, April 21, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall, W. 10th Street in Jim Thorpe.
“I urge everyone who is eligible and can, to give blood at one of these visits,” stated Donald R. Fipps, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region. “People’s lives are at stake. Blood must be available in our inventory to fill hospital orders and be ready for any emergency.”
Blood products are used to help patients having surgery, patients with severe injuries, burn patients, cancer patients, patients with blood disorders such as anemia, newborn babies, and many others. “Many times, people think blood is only needed for people who are badly injured or having surgery,” Fipps said. “Yet there are many reasons why a patient would need blood. Hospital patients in this area need blood every day. Please give blood, if you can, at one of these visits.”
Anyone who is at least 17 years old, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and is in good health can give blood. For more information, call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
