Give the Gift of Blood this Holiday Season

The Garrett County Health Department has scheduled its next blood drive for Friday, December 21, from 12-5:30 PM in the first floor conference room.

“The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage,” said Marie Lauver, AmeriCorps, who coordinates the blood drives for the Garrett County Health Department. “Donors of all blood types are urgently needed.”

According to the Red Cross, they are distributing blood products to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Without more blood donors now, hospitals may not have the blood needed to save lives.

“Help the American Red Cross overcome a severe blood shortage and ensure patients get the treatment they need,” Lauver said. “Medical conditions and emergencies that require blood don’t stop for the holidays. Now is an important time to give blood. There is an especially critical need for type O positive and O negative blood donors. Eligible donors with type O, A negative and B negative blood are urged to make a Power Red donation, where available. Come and give the gift of life this season!”

To donate blood, a person must be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years old, (or 16 years old with parental consent form), and have not donated blood in the last 56 days.

To schedule an appointment please call Venessa at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111, or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

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