Blood Drive Friday

Supplies are Critically Low

January 17, 2012

The annual National Honor Society blood drive will be held Friday, January 20 in the high school commons from 1:30 to 6:00 p.m. An ample Red Cross staff will be able to handle a donation in approximately 45 minutes. Donors are encouraged to eat well and drink plenty of fluids the day of the drive to avoid any negative reactions.

Blood supplies are typically low in January due to a variety of factors. This year is no exception and supplies are again very low.

Putnam County is part of the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. The region distributes approximately 248,000 pints of blood to patients in need. To do that, the Red Cross must count on blood donors in 122 counties every day. A single blood donation can help save up to three hospital patients' lives, and yet only five percent of eligible donors give. Blood is constantly needed.

The goal for this year’s drive is 80 units and is being sponsored by the National Honor Society. To donate blood, a person must be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors are asked to bring a form of identification, such as a driver’s license or a donor ID card. Donors under the age of 17 must provide parental consent.

National Honor Society members are responsible for publicizing the drive and providing food and workers the day of the drive.

Please take under an hour of your time to save lives – donate blood January 20.