Blood donors sought

September 21, 2004|by MARLO BARNHART

While no American Red Cross bloodmobiles in the Tri-State area were directly affected by Friday's violent weather, the need for donors is still high, according to Teresa Ellwood, director of blood services for the Washington County chapter.

On Wednesday and on Wednesday, Sept. 29, blood drives will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Red Cross Donor Center, 1131 Conrad Court, Hagerstown.

There also is a public bloodmobile at Valley Mall in Hagerstown on Sept. 29, from noon to 6 p.m., Ellwood said.

Elsewhere in the Greater Alleghenies Region, flooding caused by remnants of Hurricane Ivan forced the cancellation of dozens of bloodmobiles, resulting in the loss of 345 units in the region based in Johnstown, Pa.

The National American Red Cross Biomedical Services has called upon the Greater Alleghenies Region and other Red Cross blood regions to stand ready to support the blood needs of the southern states that also have been affected by recent hurricanes.

To donate blood in the region, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 105 pounds and be in generally good health. The Red Cross asks that eligible people call 1-800-GIVE LIFE today to schedule an appointment to donate blood.

Information about upcoming bloodmobiles is featured on the region's Web site, redcrosslife.org.

The public can assist the victims of Hurricane Ivan, along with those of other recent disasters, by making a financial contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This can be done by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or by visiting the Web site.

The Greater Alleghenies Region serves a 100-county area in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

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