American Red Cross calls for blood donations in July

Press release:

American Red Cross encourages adding blood donation to vacation to-do lists

Western North Carolina, July 2016 — There are 100 days of summer and the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to choose their day to give blood and help ensure a sufficient blood supply.

With many donors vacationing and schools that host blood drives on break, July is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood donations to meet the needs of patients. Hospital patients don’t get a summer holiday or vacation from needing blood, the need for blood is constant. Donors are needed to help alleviate this seasonal decline.

Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this summer.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

ASHEVILLE BLOOD DONOR CENTER
100 Edgewood Road, Asheville

Please call 1-800-REDCROSS to schedule an appointment.

• Every Monday – 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Except July 4 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Every Tuesday – 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Every Wednesday – 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Every Thursday – 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 2 – 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Community Blood Drives

BUNCOMBE COUNTY

Sunday, July 17

First Baptist Church of Weaverville
63 North Main Street, Weaverville

• 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Wednesday, July 20

Willis Wright Memorial Blood Drive
Hominy Baptist Church
135 Candler School Road, Candler

• 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call the church at (828) 667-4541.

Tuesday, July 26

Beverly Hills Baptist Church
777 Tunnel Road, Asheville

• 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call Betty Fox at (828) 299-9233.

Thursday, July 28

Black Mountain Fire Department
106 Montreat Road, Black Mountain

• 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Sunday, July 31

Central United Methodist Church
27 Church Street, Asheville

• 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call Maureen Carr at (828) 253-3316, extension 320.

MCDOWELL COUNTY

Tuesday, July 19

McDowell Tech College
54 College Drive, Marion

• 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call Donna Short at (828) 652-0631.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.