AMERICUS — The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage and has issued an emergency call for blood donations. Right now, blood is being distributed to hospitals faster than it is being donated. A critical shortage of Red Cross blood donations may lead to delays in urgent medical care to vulnerable patients.
But there is an opportunity coming up locally to donate blood. Phoebe Sumter Medical Center sponsors a community blood drive from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 18 at Americus First Baptist Church, 221 S. Lee St. Go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to make tour appointment. Sponsor code is PCMC. All presenting donors will be entered into a raffle for $25 if they achieve five units over the goal. If they achieve 10 units over goal, the raffle is for $50. Goal is 116 units.
“Hosting a blood drive coincides with Phoebe Sumter’s core values of giving back to the community,” said Denise Burgess, laboratory director and blood drive coordinator. “With a simple blood donation, we have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, loved one or neighbor.”
Blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and trauma victims, according to the Red Cross.
“The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition. We urge eligible donors to join us in the selfless act of giving blood,” Burgess said.
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone, and is often used to treat trauma patients.
Donors can save time by using RapidPass to begin their health history. For more information, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.
All who come to donate until Aug. 31, who have an email address on file with the Red Cross, will receive an email for a $5 Target eGiftCard™.