By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

The weather has calmed for the time being, there the American Red Cross is in need of blood and blood platelets, and the organization is asking for help.

A number of recent blood drives had to cancel this month due to wintery weather. Therefore, blood supplies in our region need to be replenished. 

“There is no substitute for human blood.  Blood is a perishable product.  Most donated Red blood cells must be used within 42 days and platelets within just five days,” said Laurie Nehring of the American Red Cross. ”Blood supplies must be replenished constantly.”

The American Red Cross is reporting lower donations than expected since the start of 2012.  O blood types are particularly low, but all blood types are needed. 

Blood drives are scheduled in a number of local communities, including Dexter, Advance and Sikeston. Blood drives scheduled include:

• Feb. 21 at Advance High School from 2 until 6 p.m.
• Feb. 22 at Ferguson Medical Group in Sikeston from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
• Feb. 22 at South Elementary in Jackson from 2:30 until 6:30 p.m.
• Feb. 23 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter from 12 until 5 p.m.

How to Donate Blood

Call 1-800-RED CROSS or log on to www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join the Red Cross blog at [url_new=http://blog.redcross.org.

Photo Above: Owen Flowers and Kendra Stevenson were among the Dexter students who game blood at an American Red Cross Blood Drive in Dexter this fall. (SMT File Photo)