Red Cross needs Valdosta's help with blood donations | Health

VALDOSTA, GA  – The American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region has issued a holiday challenge to help prevent winter blood shortages.

Their goal is to collect 30,000 pints of blood before December 31, 2011. 

“It’s the season of giving and there’s one gift that won’t cost you a penny, but means the world to a patient in need. By donating blood, you can give someone an opportunity to spend another holiday with their loved ones,” said Randy Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, of Southern Blood Services Region.

Lowndes County and the city of Valdosta are participating and they have several location for participants to come by and donate blood.

Here is the full press release from Southern Blood Services Region

Think outside the box this holiday season.  The perfect gift is at your nearest American Red Cross blood drive or blood donation center. 

And, unlike the latest fashion trend, video game or golf club, it costs nothing but an hour of your time. When you donate blood, you give the perfect gift - another hug, another laugh, another smile, another chance - to someone in need of blood.

This year, the American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region has issued a 30K for the Holidays challenge to help prevent winter blood shortages and we need everyone’s help to make this successful. 

Their goal is to collect 30,000 pints of blood November 19 – December 31, 2011. 

“It’s the season of giving and there’s one gift that won’t cost you a penny, but means the world to a patient in need,” said Randy Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, of Southern Blood Services Region.

“By donating blood, you can give someone an opportunity to spend another holiday with their loved ones.”

It only takes about an hour to donate blood, and in that hour, you can unwrap a lifetime of memories for hospital patients in your community and across the country.

The need for blood is constant and doesn’t pause for the holidays. By taking time to donate this winter, you can help the Red Cross ensure a stable blood supply for all patients who need blood products.

All blood types are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply, especially type O negative.

Type O negative blood, the universal blood type, is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.