“Beads for Blood” Mardi Gras Blood Drive

Photo

“Beads for Blood” Mardi Gras Blood Drive

WKRG.com Related Resources

More –› Related Articles

Discuss this in the forum

By American Red Cross

M50o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr “Beads for Blood” Mardi Gras Blood Drive

Published: Sun, January 20, 2008 - 3:46 pm
Last Updated: Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 3:53 pm

“Beads for Blood” Mardi Gras Blood Drive
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Bel Air Mall
Mobile, AL
12:30 p.m. until 6 p.m.

(January 17, 2008)- When one thinks of Mobile this time of year, a few things come to mind: Moon Pies, beads and revelry are all trademarks of the Port City in late January and early February. But despite the party atmosphere, patients in region hospitals are awaiting something more valuable than even the most cherished Mardi Gras throws, namely the gift of life provided by blood donors.

This year, the American Red Cross is giving life-saving donors a chance to help ease a critical shortage in the Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region while at the same time enjoying the pageantry of the Mardi Gras season with the “Beads for Blood” Mardi Gras Blood Drive, scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Bel Air Mall in Mobile. The drive will feature Mardi Gras décor, Carnival season music and Mardi Gras trinkets like those that will litter the streets of downtown Mobile in the next few weeks.

The Carnival season on the Gulf Coast is a time for enjoying parades, balls and good times, but it also happens to correspond with one of the toughest times of the year in terms of the blood supply. Because of decreased collections over the holiday period, a sharp increase in the number of surgeries conducted in January and the onslaught of severe winter storms around the country, the blood inventory has dropped to near dangerously low levels. Drives such as the “Beads for Blood” blood drive will ensure that elective surgeries are not postponed and every patient in the region who needs blood receives blood.

“This is a time when we along the Gulf Coast like to forget about our troubles and worries and enjoy life’s lighter side,” said Evan Duffy, Senior Communications Specialist for the American Red Cross. “But it’s also a time of uncertainty for those who find themselves in need of blood, because after a month of lowered collections and a high demand for blood in January, the blood supply is in a very fragile state. One patient with injuries that require multiple transfusions can deplete the blood supply in less than 24 hours, which is why we need our donors to join us at this and other drives in the coming weeks.”

Blood, moreover blood donors, can save up to two lives per donation. The statistics are staggering. Every two seconds, someone in our region needs blood to survive. Some 800 donations are needed per day in our region alone just to meet the current need for blood, creating a constantly critical need for donors who roll up their sleeves to save the lives of their neighbors. The victim of a traffic accident could need between four and 100 units of blood. The average heart bypass patient needs four to six units. The need for blood is constant, but it is in the holiday travel periods that this need is most critical.

To donate, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors must also show identification in the form of a driver’s license or ARC donor card. If you are sick and cannot donate, please encourage a friend or loved one to donate in your place. If everyone who could donate would donate, there would never be a blood shortage in our area.

The American Red Cross will give a little back to the donors who give so much of their own time, blood and resources during this time of the year. All presenting volunteer donors who give in the month of January will receive a t-shirt and American Red Cross ball cap. Volunteer donors who present to give blood will also be entered into a regional drawing for one of two $500 prepaid gift cards. In addition, presenting volunteer donors at the “Beads for Blood” blood drive will be treated to Mardi Gras faire such as Moon Pies and beads.
So let the good times roll and roll up your sleeves. Enjoy the party while giving patients in regional hospitals a reason to celebrate. Give someone the best gift they’ll ever receive: the gift of life. There is no greater gift one can give.

News Map