Give blood and help save lives

[February 07, 2014]  PEORIA — Like a hospital emergency room, the American Red Cross must be prepared to provide blood for patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. It's the blood already on the shelves and readily available that can be lifesaving for people like Chris Salinas

Salinas was a horse trainer who was seriously injured in an accident when a horse pinned him to the pavement. He and his family said they credit the multiple blood transfusions he received with helping him recover.

Type O-negative blood is especially needed right now. O-negative is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to patients with any type.

To help ensure the shelves are stocked for patients in need, the Red Cross has scheduled two upcoming blood donation opportunities in Logan County:

• Feb. 19, noon-5 p.m., at the Lincoln Park District sports complex, 1400 Primm Road in Lincoln, Ill.

• Feb. 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Hartsburg-Emden Jr.-Sr. High School, 400 W. Front St. in Hartsburg

How to donate blood

To make an appointment to donate blood, or for more information, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification, are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Need for blood is constant

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

Thirty-eight percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, but only 8 percent of those actually donate.

One donation can help save the lives of multiple people.

The top reason donors say they give blood is because they "want to help others."

The Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood.

[Text from file received from the American Red Cross]

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or visit on Twitter at @RedCross.