Helping save lives is a team effort and the American Red Cross is recruiting new players for its team. Players of all sizes, shapes and interests are needed to ensure there is blood for hospital patients in need.
“Not all of us are gifted with the talent to be a big league baseball player, a tennis star or the next Tiger Woods,” said Erschelle Newsome, CEO, Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Region. “But most of us can be real life heroes in the game of life, just by donating a pint of blood to a person in need.”
Those in need of blood include not only accident or trauma victims but 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 young and old, family or friends, even a neighbor down the street.
Individuals unable to donate blood can still play their part by organizing Red Cross blood drives or assisting as a volunteer in local drives. For more information or to schedule an appointment, donors should call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit bloodisneeded.org. The Red Cross reminds those coming to donate to bring a photo ID.
