MACON, Ga. (May 7, 2019) — While preparing to enjoy a long Memorial Day weekend, include time to honor fallen soldiers by helping to save lives at the 7th annual 41NBC Blood Drive May 21 through 31 at various locations. All participants will receive an American Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. The 41NBC blood drives started May of 2013. To date, the news station has helped the Red Cross collect a total of 993 pints of blood. With this year’s goal at 94 pints, 41NBC is expected to reach the milestone of 1,087 pints.
While many are making fun summer plans, others will spend some summer days in the hospital.
Blood donations typically decline in the summer months, so this is an important time for donors to give before vacations and other activities dominate their schedule. One blood donation can help save up to three lives and volunteer blood donors are the only way to ensure a stable blood supply.
“The need for blood is constant and volunteer donors are the only source to help patients in need,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager, Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region. “41NBC has been a committed partner, and these blood drives will assist the Red Cross to have readily available blood supply, which is critical for patients whose survival depends on transfusion.”
Eligible donors with type O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at these locations. Power Reds give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
“We’ve shared stories in our newscasts on 41NBC about how donating blood saves lives. We also know there’s a constant need,” said Brandon Long, news director, 41NBC/WMGT. “That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Red Cross and issue a call to action to communities throughout middle Georgia in support of a very worthy, potential life-saving cause.”
Help save lives at one of the following blood drives:
5/21/2019: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Red Cross Central Georgia 195 Holt Ave., Macon
5/22/2019: 2 - 7 p.m., Dublin Mall 2005 Veterans Blvd., Dublin
5/23/2019: noon – 5 p.m., Georgia Power 960 Key St., Macon
5/23/2019: 2 – 7 p.m., Central Georgia Technical College 54 Hwy 22 W., Milledgeville
5/24/2019: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fresh Market 4357 Forsyth Road, Macon
5/25/2019: 2 – 7 p.m., Galleria Mall 2950 Watson Blvd, Centerville
5/27/2019: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bass Pro Shops 5000 Bass Pro Road, Macon
5/29/2019: 2 – 7 p.m., Dublin Mall 2005 Veterans Blvd., Dublin
5/30/2019: 1 – 6 p.m., Medical Center of Peach County 1960 Hwy 247, Byron
5/30/2019: 2 – 7 p.m., Lowes 6011 Zebulon Road, Macon
5/30/2019: 2 – 7 p.m., Galleria Mall 2950 Watson Blvd., Centerville
5/31/2019: noon – 5 p.m., Central Georgia Technical College 54 Hwy 22 W., Milledgeville
How to donate blood
For more information and to make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) sponsor code: 41NBC. Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.