YOUNGSTOWN Holiday blood drive scheduled
Blood donors will each receive a poinsettia and a snack.
YOUNGSTOWN -- To help offset low blood supplies in Northeast Ohio, WYTV News Channel 33, Forum Health and the American Red Cross are sponsoring the seventh annual holiday blood drive from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at the Byzantine Center at the Grove, 3801 Shady Run Road, across the street from the television station's studios.
"This blood drive comes at a time when blood donations traditionally decline because of cold and potentially dangerous weather, hectic holiday schedules, travel, and colds and flu," said Nancy Cox, American Red Cross donor recruitment representative.
Each registered donor will receive a poinsettia, courtesy of Inglis Greenhouse, and snacks donated by area vendors.
"The problem of blood shortages could be solved if current blood donors, the majority of whom give blood once a year, would donate blood at least two times a year, and if new, eligible people would begin to give blood," Cox said.
"We are asking donors to donate one more time in 2002. By donating blood once, a donor has the potential to save up to three lives because three components in the blood -- red blood cells, platelets and plasma -- can be separated and given to different people," Cox added.
Requirements
Blood donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Blood donation is not restricted by an upper age limit.
Donors may donate blood every 56 days, so donors who gave blood on or before Oct. 25 are eligible to donate at the blood drive. It is preferred that donors bring some form of photo identification and a list of all current medications.
Preregistration for the blood drive is encouraged. Call (800) 448-3543 to make an appointment or for information on other area blood drives.