Help replenish local hospitals' blood supplies

[JUNE 1, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Blood donations often decrease during the summer vacation season, especially around a holiday like Memorial Day. Many people are out of town and unable to give blood, and the number of trauma cases requiring emergency blood transfusions often rises over the summer holiday weekend. Area hospitals and the Central Illinois Community Blood Center are asking the public to help replenish local hospital blood supplies by donating blood.

The next blood drive in your area will be from noon to 6 p.m. Monday at the Logan County Paramedic Association building, 1300 N. Postville Drive in Lincoln. This blood drive is being sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. Appointments will be accepted to save time, but of course walk-ins are always welcome. Appointments may be made by calling Tara toll-free at 1 [phone], ext. 56.

Most people assume that hospitals will always have the blood they require on hand when and where they need it. Many people need blood transfusions to stay alive, and it comes only from people who are able and willing to take the time to donate. It takes only an hour, but the benefits last a lifetime.

For more information about donating blood or sponsoring a blood drive, please call 1 [phone] toll-free. For information about blood drives, blood facts, blood types and other information, please check www.cicbc.org.

[Central Illinois Community Blood Center news release]