Red Cross blood drive scheduled for this week

The American Red Cross is out for blood.

For whatever reason, the heat, family vacations, or no discernible reason at all, donations go down in the summer. In the 50 hospitals the Red Cross serves in this region 500 units of blood are needed every day. Every two seconds someone in America needs a blood transfusion.

"Emergencies and other health issues don't go away when the weather gets hot, and we encourage our donors to keep up their lifesaving efforts at all times of the year," Erschelle Newsome, chief executive officer of the Red Cross Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Blood Services Region, said.

Peggy Tedlock, Vernon County chapter manager, said that even though the weather had turned cooler donors were still needed locally.

"Due to the heat over summer donations were down," Tedlock said. "We're still feeling that shortage."

Tedlock said that one donation can help more than one person.

"Every donation can help up to three people," Tedlock said. "The blood is taken in and tested and sent to where it's needed."

Nevada will be host to the Red Cross Bloodmobile three days this week.

Wednesday, Sept. 19, the Bloodmobile will be in the 3M parking lot 2120 E. Austin from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and again from noon to 4 p.m., Thursday, the Bloodmobile will be at the First Baptist Church from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To donate blood a person must be 17 years of age, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Anyone needing additional information should contact the Vernon County Red Cross at (417) 667-5563.

The Red Cross suggests getting a good night's sleep before donation; drink extra water and fluids to replace the volume that will be donated but avoid tea, coffee and other caffeinated drinks; wear loose clothing; eat a healthy meal before donating and re-hydrate by drinking plenty of fluids over the next 24 to 48 hours.

M Nod Taxi is offering free taxi rides to the Bloodmobile. Anyone needing a ride can call 667-9993.