EDITORIAL : Blood donations can save lives

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The need for blood is constant to help hospitals treat injuries and blood-depleting illnesses, but the supply fluctuates as potential donors deal with the other things happening in their lives.

Donations typically drop during the summer as potential donors enjoy vacations. Now the supply needs to be restocked.

The Red Cross is encouraging blood and platelet donors to make and keep donation appointments now so that blood will be available through Thanksgiving and Christmas and into the new year.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets, the American Red Cross says, to help recover from a significant shortfall in donations throughout late summer and fall.

Patients are counting on lifesaving care now and all season long. Those ready to help can schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is not the only blood bank in the area. LifeSouth, which serves South Georgia Medical Center, has blood drives planned:

• 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. today at South Georgia Medical Center, North Patterson Street.

• 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Val Tech Road.

• 3-5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Buffalo Wild Wings on Baytree Road.

• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at Home Depot in Valdosta.

• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at Belk’s on St. Augustine Road.

• 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Scintilla Charter Academy.

• And multiple dates at LifeSouth’s Valdosta Donor Center, 301 Woodrow Wilson Drive.

Visit lifesouth.org for more dates and to schedule a donation appointment.

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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

From time to time the Red Cross offers a gift to encourage blood donation. From Nov. 10-30, donors can help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film “Elf” and receive an exclusive pair of Elf + Red Cross socks, while supplies last. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Elf for details.

But — socks or no socks — know that your donation of blood can save lives.

Which is a profound thought, regardless of the season of the year.

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