Blood donations needed every day to respond to patient emergencies Fort Scott Community Blood Drive scheduled this week

Submitted to The Tribune

Like the emergency room of a hospital, the American Red Cross must be prepared to respond to patient emergencies with blood products 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Through the everyday support and generosity of whole blood donors, the Red Cross can be prepared to do this day-in and day-out, no matter when or where these blood products are needed.

Each day, approximately 44,000 units of blood are needed for patients in the United Sates. In fact, approximately every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood. All eligible donors are encouraged to become and everyday supporter of the Red Cross and their communities by giving blood or platelets this winter. The American Red Cross is reporting lower donations than expected since the start of 2012. O blood types are particularly low, but all blood types are needed.

An upcoming donation opportunity in Fort Scott will be the Fort Scott Community Blood Drive on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 12:45 to 7 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, 1728 S. Horton.