Health Department Schedules Next Blood Drive

The Garrett County Health Department has scheduled its next blood drive for Friday, April 19, from 12-5:30 PM in the first floor conference room.

“The American Red Cross is in an URGENT NEED of blood, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative,” said Sandra Browning, AmeriCorps, who coordinates the blood drives for the Health Department. “Donors of all blood types are urgently needed.”

According to the Red Cross, there is less than a three-day supply of most blood types, and blood products are being distributed to the hospitals faster than donations are coming in.

“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs,” Browning said. “There’s no better feeling than knowing your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.”

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 download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App on your smart phone, call Venessa at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111, or visit redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Contact Person: Diane Lee, PIO, 301-334-7689