Red Cross Marks Century of Service with Blood Drive

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RALEIGH, N.C. (Feb. 24, 2017) — The Triangle Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is partnering with CBS North Carolina to celebrate a century of service. Donors of all types are invited to join the Red Cross in its lifesaving mission, by rolling up a sleeve to give blood.

All eligible blood donors are encouraged to be part of the centennial festivities by donating blood on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 11a .m. to 5 p.m. at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh or at Northgate Mall in Durham from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“The Red Cross, in partnership with CBS Carolina and Crabtree Valley Mall, is thrilled to celebrate its centennial year by hosting a blood drive to collect 100 pints of blood for 100 years of service. This drive will honor Red Cross volunteers who have served the community since March 1917, providing 100 years of life-sustaining work for military families, disaster victims and hospital patients,” said Barry Porter, regional CEO of the Red Cross in Eastern NC. “But we don’t do this important work alone. It is through the generosity of donors that we can prevent and alleviate human suffering. Join us at this special drive and give the gift of life, give blood.”

The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at 100 hospitals in North Carolina, and hundreds more hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types are needed to help accident and burn victims, patients undergoing organ transplants, those receiving cancer treatments and others who rely on blood products.

All presenting donors will receive a T-shirt and are eligible for cool giveaways while supplies last.

To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code “CBS,” call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

 

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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CDC’s Advice for Flu Prevention

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From CDC.gov

“The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent flu.

  1. Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

  1. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

  1. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

  1. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

  1. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

  1. Practice other good health habits.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.”

 

We at WIZS are simply re-transmitting the above data for the benefit of the local community.