Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are sponsoring a blood drive at the Alber Red Cross Center, Saturday, September 17th. Collection will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1849 Summerset Drive on Marion’s southeast side.
This drive is part of a larger campaign called Muslims for Life, a nationwide effort to collect 10,000 units of blood this month in connection with the tenth anniversary of the September 11th tragedies.
Since each unit contains components that can be used to help up to three different patients, reaching the goal will provide the raw material needed to save as many as 30,000 lives – about ten times the number lost that day.
Locally, the group will assist in recruiting blood donors for the drive this Saturday. Members also will volunteer at the reception desk and canteen, plus donate food and beverages for the event.
Priority will be given to donors arriving on-time for their appointments. Walk-ins will be welcomed whenever the schedule permits. To make an appointment for this drive, call Mark Lawrence at the American Red Cross – Marion County Chapter: (740) 725-9142.
The American Red Cross is a charitable organization, led and supported by volunteers. As part of the International Red Cross Movement, it makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. In addition to collecting, processing and distributing lifesaving blood and blood products, it offers educational programs that promote health and safety. The Red Cross also relays emergency communications between deployed members of the US armed forces and their families and provides related services. Across the country, the organization assists victims of disaster with emergency food, clothing, shelter and other needs. When called upon, it also takes part in international relief and development operations. Plus, with support – provided in part by United Way of Marion County – Marion County’s Red Cross Chapter engages in local disaster planning, prevention and response.
Every two seconds someone in America needs blood. Blood transfusions are used for trauma victims, heart surgery, organ transplants, women suffering from complications of childbirth, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, sickle cell disease, cancer and other serious conditions.
The Central Ohio Region of the Red Cross encompasses 27 counties – including Marion County – and assists patients at 41 area hospitals. The region needs approximately 650 donors daily to maintain the supply.
Under normal circumstances, a donor can give one unit of whole blood every 56 days (8 weeks) or double red cells every 112 days (16 weeks).
Individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in Ohio), who weigh at least 110 pounds, and who are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
If you have questions about your eligibility to give blood (such as medications you may be taking, your health history, or the height and weight requirements for donors under age 19), please call our Donor Suitability unit at 1-866-426-0922.
