Century 21 is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive today, Friday, March 25th, from 11am – 4pm. Communities across the country have been hit by another round of severe winter storms. The American Red Cross has been forced to cancel over 750 blood drives nationwide, resulting in a shortfall of more than 28,000 blood donations since January 1.
The Red Cross has issued an appeal for blood donations to avoid the situation where there may not be enough blood available to continue to meet all routine hospital needs and at the same time respond to emergency traumas requiring large quantities of blood.
All blood types are needed, especially type O negative, to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission 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. Individuals should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when coming to donate.
The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Blood is perishable and has no substitute. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days – they must be replenished constantly. Blood and platelets can be used for trauma victims – those who suffered accidents and burns – heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies, and for patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease.
We need your help. Make sure to go to www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment. Century 21 Elsner Realty is located at 901 N. First St. in DeKalb, IL.
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