In an effort to replenish dwindling blood coffers, the American Red Cross and Davis Broadcasting have teamed up to host a blood drive on Saturday, July 11.
Historically, blood supplies suffer during the summer months as donors become preoccupied with vacation and other summertime activities. The Red Cross hopes to reverse that trend by encouraging people to make giving the "Gift of Life" a part of their summer plans, according to a release.
The Caring for Kids Blood Drive, which is co-sponsored by the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Omega Psi Phi fraternity, will be held at the Delta Sigma Theta House, 4925 Forest Road in Columbus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donors may enter for a chance to win one of three $1,000 gas gift cards. Participants are also encouraged to bring in new school supplies, which will be given to local students in need.
The Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to more than 120 hospitals and must have 1,200 people give blood each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source. One pint of blood can help save up to three lives.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. To schedule an appointment to donate, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.givebloodredcross.org and enter the sponsor code deltaandomega when prompted.
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