Patients don’t get a holiday from needing blood and platelets. The need is constant.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. As the new year approaches, the Red Cross encourages individuals to make a
meaningful resolution. Resolve to give blood or platelets now and throughout the year.
By doing something that doesn’t cost a thing, you can give help to someone in need – you can offer hope to a patient.
The 7th Annual Sheraton Suites Akron Holiday Blood Drive is being held today, Dec. 22, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls.
All presenting donors will receive a pixie poinsettia, reusable shopping bag, a gift certificate from Gavin Scott Salon and Spa as well as a Red Cross long sleeve T-shirt, while supplies last. Presenting donors will also be entered to win a grand prize media package from Summa Health System including a Sony blu-ray player, Xbox bundle and 55” Samsung smart HDTV. All who come to donate will also be entered to win one of two gift baskets provided by Papa John’s and Western Reserve Hospital.
Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in Ohio), 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.
Eligible donors can schedule an appointment to give blood using the Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Here are some facts about blood donations:
o It’s the blood products on the shelves today that help save lives in an emergency.
o Blood and platelets are needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
o Donated blood products are perishable. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must constantly be replenished – there is no substitute.
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