asheville.com community news Regional and National Blood Supply Low, Donations Urgently Needed

The nation’s blood banks, represented by the American Red Cross, American Association of Blood Banks, and America’s Blood Centers, are asking for immediate blood donations to boost already critically low blood supplies.

The need for blood always increases during the winter months, when weather, sickness, and the holiday bustle keep some donors away.  Patients’ need for blood, though, is ongoing.  Every day, accident victims as well as patients with cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell disease and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions.

About four million people in the United States need blood each year, and the overwhelming majority would die without it. The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region needs about 1,600 people to give blood each weekday to meet hospital demand. Individuals are asked to support their local blood centers by making and keeping an appointment to donate immediately.

The Asheville Mountain Area Chapter is currently experiencing a critical shortage in blood supply.  

There is no substitute for blood; volunteer donors are the only source. Blood and platelet donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more. It is safe to give blood every 56 days and platelets every two weeks. ID is required and appointments are strongly recommended. To schedule an appointment to give blood, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE. To donate platelets, call 1-877-975-2835. For more information, visit http://redcrosswnc.org/.

The Red Cross considers a three day supply to be adequate. THERE IS A CRITICAL NEED FOR O NEGATIVE, O POSTIVE, and B POSITIVE BLOOD.  Please call for an appointment to give blood at a time and location that is convenient for you. Appointments are necessary.

The Red Cross, located at 100 Edgewood Drive in Asheville, will be receiving blood donations at the following times:

Bloodmobile Drives – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: (ID and appointment required)

Courses                                       Cost           Dates                         Times

Infant & Child CPR                                   $40                 Tuesday, June 23             6:00pm-10:00pm

Adult CPR                                                  $35                  Wednesday, June 24       9:00am-12:00pm

Adult/Child/Infant CPR                            $50                  Wednesday, June 24       9:00am-5:00pm

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer $70              Saturday, June 27             9:00am- 5:00pm

Babysitter’s Training                               $45                  Tuesday, June 30              9:00am-3:30pm

PREPARDENESS AND RESPONSE - TRAINING

Training is offered to help individuals become disaster relief workers or to help prepare you and your family for an emergency.  Pre-registration is required and some classes may have prerequisite requirements.  For more information, please call (828) 258-3888, ext. 219 or (800) 728-9817, ext. 219.  All disaster courses are free and open to the public. 

 
The American Red Cross has two sessions of a day-camp planned for Summer 2009!  Rising sixth, seventh and eighth graders are invited to attend the American Red Cross Camp PrepaRED.  This day camp is full of training opportunities, leadership and development, and FUN!  Campers will benefit from certification in Babysitting, Infant & Child CPR and Shelter Operations.  Campers will enjoy a session at Young Chefs Academy for training on healthy snacks and kitchen safety.  The Red Cross has partnered with the YMCA of Western North Carolina to have Guardstart training at the Y in South Asheville.   To register and for more information, please call 828-258-3888, Extension 218.

Free Blood Pressure Screenings:
Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm       
American Red Cross,100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC 

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