URGENT NEED FOR BLOOD PROMPTS COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE AT MURRAY COUNTY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL AND MURRAY COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
With blood supplies strained by multiple critical shortages in recent weeks, Community Blood Bank is asking Murray County residents to roll up their sleeves and give on Tuesday, October 6. Two blood drives will be held that day:
•Murray County Central High School: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
•Murray County Medical Center: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Blood is used every day to treat trauma patients, women in childbirth, farm accident victims, and many others. With the fall shortage growing more urgent, local donations are needed to make sure hospitals are ready when emergencies happen.
Donors can schedule a time by visiting www.cbblifeblood. org, selecting “Donate Now,” then “Blood Drive Calendar,” and choosing “October 6th,” or by calling Community Blood Bank at 605-331-3222. As a thank-you for helping save local
Ranch gift card.
“Every donor represents hope for patients who are depending on the generosity of strangers,” said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director of Community Blood Bank. “Right now, our need is urgent. That decision to roll up your sleeve can literally mean the difference between life and death for someone in need of a blood transfusion. A single donation can save up to three lives, and giving takes only about 30 minutes.”
A single donation can be separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, so one donor may help as many as three patients. First-time donors are especially welcome. Many people who have never given are surprised to learn they qualify, and the process is fast, safe, and will stay local. Those who start often become lifelong donors.
“We see patients every day who owe their lives to blood donors, including many firsttime donors who made that crucial decision to help,” Versteeg added. “Cancer patients, accident victims, surgical patients, and people with blood disorders all rely on the generosity of those willing to give.”
To donate, individuals must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent found at www.cbblifeblood. org). A photo ID is required at the time of donation. For more information on the drives, eligibility guidelines, or appointments, visit cbblifeblood.org.
Community Blood Bank is grateful for providing blood to Murray County Medical Center for nearly 25 years. Please support your local patients this October.
