The American Red Cross urges donors to choose their day to give hope to patients in need by donating blood or platelets during the “100 days of summer. 100 days of hope.” campaign, officially sponsored by Suburban Propane. “Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and vacation season, and the start of a seasonal decline in blood and platelet donations,” said Tim Ryerson, CEO for the Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “By choosing a day to give blood or platelets, volunteer donors can give hope and help maintain a sufficient supply for patients in need.”
Summer vacations and travel can contribute to less availability for people to give blood or platelets. In a spring survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors, nearly 90 percent indicated plans to take vacations this summer. However, patients don’t get a summer holiday or vacation from needing lifesaving blood. The Red Cross relies on volunteer donors for the 15,000 blood donations needed every day to support patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
The Woodbury Lions Club will be hosting their bi monthly community wide Red Cross blood drive today. The Blood Drive in May is highlighted by the drive being a Community Donor Appreciation Day. This is annual event that is highlighted by the Lions Club showing appreciation to the many people that come out and support the blood drives during the year. Today’s blood drive starts at a special time of 9 this morning and will go until 6:00. Those that come out to donate will receive a goody bag and other gifts. Door prizes will be given away as well. The blood drive will be held at the Woodbury Lions Club Building.
