WESTON, W.Va. – Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in collaboration with the American Red Cross and the Lewis County Emergency Squad will be hosting several upcoming Blood Drives. The drives will be held at Lewis County EMS on West Second Street on May 31, August 3, October 6, and November 28,  from 1 – 6 PM. The First Baptist Church of Weston and the Catholic Daughters of America are assisting with the events. 

Blood donations are needed now more than ever. In January, the Red Cross declared its first-ever blood crisis during the Omicron Surge. The organization has seen a 10% decrease in donations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donors are asked to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Another way to register online for the local drives is to go to MonHealth.com/HealthFair.

“Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation,” The Red Cross noted.

They explain that a single-car accident can require as much as 100 units of blood, the most requested blood type is type O, and one donation can save more than one life.

Medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify one from donating. If a donor takes cholesterol-lowering medication prescribed to prevent coronary artery disease, he/she can still give blood. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are eligible to give blood donations.

To learn more about the upcoming blood drives and register today, visit MonHealth.com/HealthFair.