Lake Oconee Dentistry team member Lea Justice was among the 30 donors who participated in the recent blood drive hosted by Lake Oconee Dentistry and the American Red Cross.
Lake Oconee Dentistry hosted an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, August 29th. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile was parked in the practice’s parking lot and offered appointments throughout the day. A total of 30 donors participated. According to American Red Cross representative Christina Bailey, 26 units of blood were collected.
“Each unit will impact up to three lives,” said Bailey. “That means 78 lives will be saved and changed as a result of this considerable community effort.”
Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer donors. Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. Consequently, blood products must be constantly replenished. During the summer, especially around holidays like Labor Day, donations often don’t keep pace with patient needs. Lake Oconee Dentistry hosts a blood drive every August to help the Red Cross meet this need.
“Hosting a blood drive ties in with Lake Oconee Dentistry’s core value of giving back to the community,” says Dr. David Bradley. “With a simple blood donation, we have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, loved one or neighbor.”
Adds Bailey: “The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition. There’s no better feeling than knowing your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life. The Red Cross is grateful for all the people who came out to donate.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visitRedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass®to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.