American Red Cross Holds Local Blood Drive

By: Bill Nessel

Spokesman

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Pixabay

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American Red Cross speakers explain at latest Lion's Club meeting that California is in need of your blood donation.

Grand Terrace Lion (and Mayor) Darcy McNaboe invited the Becky Cogley and Melissa Gutierrez from the American Red Cross to speak at our last Lion's Club meeting. Ms. Cogley Ms. Gutierrez explained the huge need for blood donors. The Red Cross is now in "crisis mode" for needed blood supplies.  One of the things the Red Cross and Lions have in common is responding to crisis situations. The Grand Terrace Lion's agreed to partner with our City to help get as many donors as possible for the upcoming blood drive on August 1 at City Hall. Did you know: •     38% of the nation is eligible to donate in the United States and less than 5% donate. •     In the state of California only 4% of Californians donate blood. •     California is a deficit state meaning we have to ask other states to send us blood supply so that we have enough to provide our local hospitals.  (shame on us)    You can help save lives by donating. •     Every donation can save up to 3 lives. There are 4 blood types needed. All blood types are in need A, B, AB and O. Hospitals in the ER use O- & O+ first once until they determine the person's blood type and then they give them their blood type.  So the highest demand are the O’s. •     You can donate every 56 days with a whole blood donation and every 114 days with a power red donation. •     Eat high rich iron foods and lots of water 3 days before your donation for a better experience. Please refer to the American Red Cross website for more information on eligibility and blood type information. Maximize your blood donation with a Power Red donation! Double red cell donation, what is called “Power Red”, allows you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation. Please join us at City Hall and help meet the need.