The American Red Cross has announced an emergency need for donations of all blood types to address a critical shortage. To help meet this need, Lake Oconee Dentistry will be hosting a blood drive on Thursday, August 30th. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in the practice’s parking lot and has appointments from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. available that day. Anyone in the community is welcome to participate.
“According to the Red Cross, blood donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in,” says Dr. David Bradley, co-owner of Lake Oconee Dentistry. “We have hosted successful blood drives in the past and felt that, given the shortage, now is the perfect time to host another one.”
Every day in the U.S., roughly 41,000 blood donations are needed. That means nearly every two seconds, someone needs blood. Just one pint of blood can save three lives. Although all blood types are needed, there is a particularly critical need for Type O. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to patients with any Rh-positive blood type. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to any patient. Emergency workers often reach for Type O blood when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations.
In an effort to increase the number of donors over the next 30 days, the Red Cross is offering a $5 Amazon gift card to anyone who donates blood by August 30th. Participants in the Lake Oconee Dentistry blood drive will qualify for this special offer. Those interested in donating are asked to please reserve a time in advance by going to www.redcrossblood.org and entering sponsor code LOD.
Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
“Donating blood is a simple process and makes a huge difference in the lives of others,” says Dr. Bradley. “We are looking forward to a really successful event.”