The American Red Cross will hold a Blood Drive Thursday, July 27, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Ardmore. The blood drive will be held in the Family Life Center of the church located at 26670 5th Street in Ardmore.
Infamously known as the 100 deadly days of summer because of the number of tragic automobile wrecks, Memorial Day through Labor Day is also a time when the American Red Cross sees a huge drop in the number of blood donations. Since most college and high school students, who account for about 15 percent of all blood donations, are out of school and other donors leave for vacation, fewer donations are made during the summer. Patients’ need for blood, though, is ongoing. Every day, accident victims as well as patients with cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell disease and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions.
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Preparing for the American Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday, July 27, from 1-7 p.m. at First Baptist Church Family Life Center at 26670 Fifth Street in Ardmore are, from left, Helen Edwards, Cub Scout Adam Davis, and Carl Thomas. (photo by Patricia Coulter)
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During the Blood Drive, youth from the church will be give free car washes from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. They will also be assisting inside along with Cub Scouts from Pack 280.
All eligible donors are urged to participate in the blood drive during this critical time of year. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. They must also bring a valid form of identification. All blood donors will receive a vintage American Red Cross baseball hat, an American Red Cross T-shirt, and meal coupons compliments of Pizza Hut.
Eligible donors should give blood at least three times each year.
Just one pint of blood could help give someone another birthday, another family vacation and ultimately another chance at life!
The American Red Cross is constantly trying to collect an average of 1000 units of blood per day to meet the needs of local hospital patients.
To learn more about blood donation visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-GiveLife.
