WAYNESBORO—Local residents have the opportunity to “give the gift of life” in an upcoming Red Cross blood drive sponsored by the Waynesboro Area YMCA.
“Hosting a blood drive coincides with the Y’s core values of giving back to the community,” said Kathy Bostic, blood program leader “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.”
Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.
“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs,” Bostic said. “There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.”
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone and is often used to treat trauma patients.
The Red Cross blood drive will be held Tuesday, May 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the YMCA gymnasium. For an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
