Onancock, VA – The American Red Cross is experiencing a summer shortage of blood donations and is offering a $5 Target gift card to blood donors in the month of August.
A blood drive is planned for August 23 at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital from 11am – 3pm in the hospital’s conference room.
Donors of all blood types are welcome, as are Power Red donors.
Volunteer donors are the only source of blood and platelets for patients in need of transfusions. Blood is needed for accident victims, surgical patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. There is no artificial substitute for blood.
Blood donation requirements include a minimum weight of 110 pounds and minimum age of 17. A 16-year old may donate blood with written parental consent. There is no upper age limit for donating blood.
Many health conditions and medications do NOT prevent someone from donating blood. People taking insulin, blood pressure, thyroid, and cholesterol medications, aspirin, antidepressants, and hormone replacement CAN give blood.
Donors are encouraged to eat a meal prior to giving blood and drink plenty of water.
No appointment is necessary, but having one will speed the process. Make an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code SMHosp. Donors should bring a valid photo ID.
For more information, go to www.redcrossblood.org.
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