Vandalia Health Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, in collaboration with the American Red Cross and the Lewis County Emergency Squad, will host a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, at Lewis County EMS on West Second Street. The local Catholic Daughters of the Americas will provide volunteer support.
According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. Blood is vital for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, every lifesaving transfusion begins with a generous donor. A single car accident victim may require up to 100 units of blood, and the most in-demand blood type is O. Just one donation can help save multiple lives.
“We are proud to support this effort alongside our community partners to help ensure that lifesaving blood is available for those who need it most,” said Lisa Songer, chief administrative officer of Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital. “Donating blood is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Donors are eligible even if they have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or if they are taking medications for high blood pressure or high cholesterol prescribed to prevent coronary artery disease.
To schedule a donation, individuals may use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
