MACON, Ga. (May 7, 2018) — While preparing to enjoy a long Memorial Day weekend, include time to honor lost soldiers by helping to save lives at the 6th annual 41NBC Blood Drive May 21 to 30 at various area locations.
Donate blood in memory of fallen heroes like Sergeant Rodney Davis, who in 1967, threw himself on a grenade to save fellow marines while fighting in Vietnam. Following this selfless act, Davis was awarded the nation’s highest military honor, a medal of honor. The Davis family has carried on his legacy through various lifesaving efforts, including donating blood.
“My brother, Rodney, cared about people the way the Red Cross does. This is the least we can do,” said Davis’ sister, Debra Davis Ray. “If one drop of blood from this drive saves or helps one person’s life, it is worth it.”
Blood and platelets are needed for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
“Our station is proud to partner with the Red Cross knowing someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds,” said Brandon Long, news director, 41NBC/WMGT. “We deeply appreciate our viewers who participate in our annual event and help area patients in need.”
Help save lives at one of the following blood drives:
May 21
2-6 p.m. at The Medical Center of Peach County, 1960 Hwy. 247 Connector, Byron, GA 31008
May 25
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Galleria Mall, 2950 Watson Blvd., Centerville, GA 31028
2 to 7 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops, 5000 Bass Pro Blvd., Macon, GA 31210
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at American Red Cross, 195 Holt Ave., Macon, GA 31201
May 26
2 to 7 p.m. at Central Georgia Technical College, 54 Hwy. 22 W. Milledgeville, GA 31061
May 28
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 2789 Millerfield Road, Macon, GA 31217
May 29
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Galleria Mall, 2950 Watson Blvd., Centerville, GA 31028
2 to 7 p.m. at Dublin Mall, 2789 Millerfield Road, Macon, GA 31217
May 30
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Galleria Mall, 2950 Watson Blvd., Centerville, GA 31028
2 to 7 p.m. at Amstar Cinemas, 5996 Zebulon Road, Macon, GA 31210.
All participants will receive a Red Cross T-shirt and a coupon for a free medium Sonic Slush, while supplies last.
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.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBblood.org sponsor code: 41NBC or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.