CORDELE — Crisp County’s monthly blood drive is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7 with SAM Shortline as the sponsoring agency.
Traditionally, this drive is one of the largest in the state for the month of July, and SAM staff and volunteers are trying to get at least 200 units of blood donated next Tuesday.
Summer is a critical time for blood donations, volunteer Jack Windham says, because the need for blood seems to increase while available units decrease.
Since this drive is immediately after the holiday weekend, the need for blood is expected to be especially critical, says Blood Donor Recruitmen Representative Teresa Guest with the American Red Cross.
Red Cross’ supply has gotten so low in recent months that it could temporarily have to cease providing blood for American troops in foreign nations, Windham said.
During Crisp County’s June drive, over 100 units were collected, and this was a record. Windham hopes to break that record again next week.
Everyone who is healthy is encouraged to go to the Community Clubhouse between 1 and 7 p.m. to donate a unit of blood. All participating donors will receive a complimentary ticket to ride the SAM Shortline.
