Donate Blood

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE!

American Red Cross in Madison County works closely with Red Cross Central Ohio Blood Services to help meet ever-increasing needs for blood and blood products.  Together we now have a new series of regular community blood drives.  A person is eligible to donate every 56 days...that means you could save up to 18 lives in one year!  Our new blood drive schedule makes it simple to do just that.  Our new schedule has a blood drive about every 56 days at THE SAME LOCATION making it easy to remember, easier to give with three convenient locations:  London, Mount Sterling and West Jefferson.

The Red Cross must collect at least 650 units of blood a day in Central Ohio to meet local patient needs.  All donors are always welcome, as usual there is a special need for donors who have type O blood.  The reason is that type O blood lacks both the A antigen and the B antigen, meaning that red blood cell products from "O" donors can be given to patients with other blood types although it should be noted that the Rh factors (positive or negative) must still match.  The highly coveted O-negative blood type is found in only 7 percent of the population.  On average only 3 percent of the US population donates blood.  Because of the flexibility of type O blood products, the American Red Cross is always emphasizing the need for such donors.  However, all donors are always welcome and needed.

When you make an appointment to give you help even more because:

• Collection staff, equipment and supplies are transported from Columbus to each blood drive. The number of staff, and amount of equipment and supplies is predetermined and scheduled months beforehand based on the number of appointments.
• It allows a more efficient use of resources resulting in less waste and lower overall costs.
• Donor time is important! Making an appointment minimizes wait time.

Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health.

HOW TO GIVE BLOOD

Visit www.givelife.org to make your appointment today, or call 1-800-GIVELIFE!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Aren’t able to donate blood but still want to help?  Remember, you can always donate your time! The Red Cross needs volunteers to work at blood drives, deliver blood to Columbus, and provide homemade treats. And so does your community.

Check out these local volunteer needs:

• Registration/Donor Diner:  Greet blood donors, control the flow of the drive, assist donors with sign-in, insure FDA mandated materials are read by donors, and take appointments for future drives, serve refreshments, talk with donors, observe donors for signs of possible adverse reactions after donation
• Platelet Driver:  Pick up coolers of blood from local blood drives for delivery to the lab in Columbus. Most mileage is reimbursed at $0.485 per unit.
• Baker Corps:  Make homemade treats such as cookies, cupcakes or brownies. Donors really appreciate homemade goodies!

American Red Cross in Madison County
21 W. Fifth Street
London, Ohio 43140

(740) 845-9939
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