Red Cross seeks new donors for next drive

As the days of spring and summer get longer and the temperature warms up, the American Red Cross is reaching out to find new donors for its life-saving team. There contribution of a unit of blood at a Red Cross blood center or area blood drive can potentially extend the days and perhaps years of hospital patients in need.

Locally, blood donations can be made on Monday, April 26 from 1-7 p.m. or on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of the Fort Scott Community College.

"Not everyone can donate blood - and currently only five in every 100 eligible donors do," Central Plains Region CEO Scott Caswell said. "And those who can donate can give a unit of whole blood only every 56 days. With the advances in medical care and technology, more blood is needed daily."

Those in need of blood include accident or trauma victims as well as a daily list of scheduled surgeries at area hospitals -- from heart surgery to joint replacements, organ transplants, or premature babies -- cancer treatments and much more. Those in need can be family, friends, a little leaguer down the street, a 30-something jogger, or a senior citizen taking the dog for a daily walk.

To donate blood call (800) 448-3543 or visit bloodisneded.org to make an appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17-years-old or 16-years-old with a parental consent form. New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19.