Special to the WJH The American Red Cross is requesting all healthy adults to donate blood so the emergency blood supply can be replenished.
The years-long chronic blood supply crisis worsens each summer as donations diminish between June and September, said a spokesman in the blood services department of the Red Cross.
“The worry now is that the situation has become so dire, certain blood types will be hard to come by in the event of a big disaster,” said Richard Hickman. “The crisis could be resolved entirely if only every healthy adult between 17 and 117 would donate blood once or twice a year.
“We know that’s not bound to happen since only about four percent of the American population ever give blood their whole lives.”
Southeast Georgians can choose to be part of the solution by donating at the monthly community blood drive Monday July 27 at the Waycross Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 2401 Knight Ave. The drive runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is Locomotive Specialist.
“Locomotive Specialist is one of our most dedicated business sponsors and partners in the effort to recruit blood donors,” said Gary Griffin, one of the Waycross Area Blood Drive Volunteers. “Their generous contribution means that dozens of donors will win cash door prizes, maybe even a $100 bill.”
Gift cards from Captain Joe’s and Sanders Honey Company will also will be won at random.
And as a thank you from the Red Cross, each donor will receive by email a Fandango Movie Ticket (up to $15 in ticket price and fees).
To schedule an appointment for Monday, visit redcrossblood.org. Donors, however, are welcome to walk in anytime during the six-hour effort and donate, Griffin said.
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