Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri – Mark your calendar and get ready to donate some blood! During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross invites everyone to support their communities by giving blood or platelets, volunteering, taking a class or making a financial donation.
Did you know that the Red Cross began to collect blood for the U.S. Military in 1941? Dr. Charles Drew was the medical director during that time and in 1948 the Red Cross implemented the first nationwide blood program for civilians.
What a great organization with over 70 years worth of blood donations.
The American Red Cross will be in Dexter on March 18th from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Pleasant Grove Community Church. The church is located at 13798 E. State Highway H in Dexter, Missouri.
Bell City High School will also sponsor a blood drive with the American Red Cross on March 21st from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. The school is located at 25254 Walnut Street in Bell City, Missouri.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies and about 40% of the nation’s blood supply. They also teach skills that save lives, provide international humanitarian aid and support the 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.
If you wish to donate blood, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment. 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
