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This
year the American Red Cross is participating as a primary partner
for World Health Day. For more than 50 years, the American Red
Cross has worked to be an innovator and a leader in transfusion
medicine and research and has provided the nation with blood
products that are safe and reliable. The Red Cross is committed to
biomedical research and the development of innovative technologies
that will enhance many lives in the future and further secure the
safety of the nation’s blood supply.
During
World Health Day, the American Red Cross encourages all eligible
donors to donate regularly, therefore ensuring an adequate blood
supply. The Red Cross reports there is a need for blood every 10
seconds, and each unit of blood donated helps three people.
Eligible donors must be over the age of 17 and weigh between 110
and 350 pounds. Before donating, temperature and blood pressure
will be taken, along with a short health history.
The
next Red Cross blood drives in Logan County will be Friday,
April 14, at Lincoln High School and Wednesday,
April 19, at the Lincoln Sports Complex.
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Faye
Stubblefield, office manager for the Lincoln branch of Sangamon
Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, says there is a great
need for individuals to donate blood. “It’s important
(because) it saves lives,” she remarks. “It’s a feeling of
satisfaction to know you are helping.”
LaDonna
Alexander, co-chair for the area blood drives, agrees, “Since I
am a nurse, I see how much blood is needed and why. I hope more
people will be able to know about World Health Day and become more
educated about it.”
On
the national level, the Red Cross will participate in a media
event at the headquarters of the Pan American Health Organization
(PAHO) in Washington, D.C. PAHO is the arm of the World Health
Organization that serves the Americas.
If
you have questions about blood safety or donation, call the
American Red Cross Blood Services Region at 800-728-3543 or
contact the local chapter at 732-2134.
[ed. LDN]
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