American Red Cross Needs Blood Donations

MJ Kneiser

The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply now and throughout the summer.

Red Cross spokesperson Kristin Stancil says the Red Cross needs donors this time of year to ensure there is enough blood supply on hand during the summer months.

Stancil said the American Red Cross has set up special donation sights throughout northeast Georgia this summer.

Today, the Bloodmobile will be at Clarks Creek Baptist Church in Martin from 2-7 p.m.

You can also donate blood Friday at the Hartwell YMCA from 8 a.m. to noon, and on Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Hartwell Marina.

The Red Cross Bloodmobile will also be at Lavonia First Baptist Church later this month on July 20th.

All blood types are needed, but Stancil said people with type O Negative blood are especially encouraged to give.

Anyone at least 17 years of age, weighing at least 110 pounds and in generally good health may be eligible to give blood.

To get more information on ways to donate blood or platelets, you can visit the Red Cross web site at www.redcrossblood.org.