TYRONE — The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive in the classroom at Tyrone Hospital on from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 2.
All presenting donors will receive a gift bag. All donors will also receive their Red Cross Rewards Club Points for donating.
The Red Cross needs to collect at least 1,000 units of blood each and every day in order to meet the needs of hospitals in our region.
Jolynn Baran, director of the laboratory, said emergency patients and surgical patients are just two examples of areas where hospitals need a ready supply of blood. Blood has to be replaced on a regular basis due to utilization by patients and also, because blood can only be stored for a limited amount of time and then it must be replaced. There is no substitute for blood. The only way to replenish the blood supply is from donors.
According to the Red Cross, people who are diabetic and treated by insulin or oral medications can donate blood. However, they should check with the Red Cross if they have recently changed their medication dosage. If someone has taken bovine, or Beef insulin, they are asked to please speak to a Red Cross staff person.
People who have high blood pressure (hypertension) or are taking medications for high blood pressure can donate provided their blood pressure is at or below 180/100. Donors with a blood pressure 80/50 or lower may require further evaluation or may be deferred.
For more information about the upcoming blood drive at Tyrone Hospital or to schedule an appointment please call the American Red Cross at 1.800.GIVE.LIFE.
The Red Cross Rewards Club awards blood donors points each time they donate. These points can then be redeemed for gift certificates. redcrossblood.org/redcrossrewards.