By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Glasgow and Barren County residents have the chance to help save lives by donating blood to the American Red Cross during a blood drive at the T.J. Health Pavilion Community Center in Glasgow from 1 to 6 p.m.
Earlier this month, the American Red Cross declares a severe shortage after the blood supply dropped 35 percent in December, and the prevalence of the flu may have decreased blood donators. The issue was exacerbated due to the winter weather, which canceled 400 blood drives, according to an American Red Cross Jan. 20 press release.
“This time of year is always challenging for blood collection — but right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, executive medical director for the American Red Cross. “Every person’s blood donation can help save lives — plus you help ease the tremendous burden on our doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus on caring for patients.”
Those who donate blood before Feb. 28 will receive a $20 electronic gift card for “a merchant of your choice,” according to the American Red Cross.
The T.J. Health Pavilion drive on Jan. 28 allows people the opportunity to donate blood or power red, which “collects the red cells,” the American Red Cross stated. Only people with Type A Negative, Type B Negative, or Type O blood are eligible for power red donations. Registration can be made online.
“Without immediate action, patients who rely on transfusions — including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth, and people with sickle cell disease or cancer — face serious risk,” a press release stated.
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