American Red Cross to Host April 23 Memorial Blood Drive in Memory of Alma Zern, Lehighton Resident

The American Red Cross will hold a memorial blood drive on Thursday, April 23, in memory of Alma Zern, former Lehighton resident.

The drive will be held at Zion United Church of Christ, 225 Iron and Second streets, Lehighton, from 1 - 6 p.m. Group O blood donors are especially needed.

"Alma began her Red Cross career more than 50 years ago at the former Carbon County Red Cross as a coordinator of blood services in Lehighton," said Sharon Kendig, Red Cross Carbon County branch manager. "As blood services coordinator, she recruited the Red Cross volunteers needed to conduct yearly blood drives in Lehighton. Through her efforts, countless gallons of blood were donated to area hospitals to help save lives.

"The April 23 drive will be a fitting tribute to Alma for all she has done for our community," Kendig said.

To make an appointment to donate blood, call locally, 1-800-GiveLife, go to www.nepagivelife.org and click on Donate Blood, or call the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley at (610) 377-2100.

Anyone 17 years or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health may be eligible to donate blood. Sixteen-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring an original parental consent form to the blood drive. The consent form can be found at www.DonateBloodNow.org/16. Identification is required at the time of donation to give blood.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves nearly 690,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 24,000 greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.