American Red Cross to hold more blood drives in Athens due to Florence

Despite the total damage of Hurricane Florence still being unknown, the American Red Cross is in urgent need of blood and platelet donations in the wake of the powerful storm.

As reported in The Red & Black, almost 200 blood drives had to cancel as a result of the hurricane, resulting in a possible loss of more than 5,200 donations, according to a press release from the Red Cross.

Cliff Numark, the senior vice president of Red Cross Blood Services, said natural disasters usually prevent donors from giving, but the need for donations only grows more.

“There is an especially critical need for platelets to help cancer patients and type O blood donations for ongoing patient care and emergencies,” Numark said in the press release. “Every donation can be a lifeline for patients.”

Donations can be made every day from now until Oct. 15 at the Athens Blood Donation Center located in the Clark Crossing Shopping Center and the Janssen Welcome Center on Olympic Drive.

On Sept. 26 blood can be donated at Stegeman Coliseum from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and at the Kappa Sigma House from 1-6 p.m. Donations can also be made on Sept. 27 at the Tate Student Center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

On-campus donations will occur on Oct. 4 at the College of Pharmacy from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or Brumby Hall from 2-7 p.m. and on Oct. 10 at Tate from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Blood donors must provide two forms of identification, be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in fairly good health.

The Red Cross recommends that student blood donors get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before donating, eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

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