Lifeline in need of donations

Posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 8:00 pm

• Each year, patients in the United States need approximately 14 million units of blood. Blood and blood products, like, platelets and plasma, red blood cells, etc. can only come from healthy volunteer blood donors- that’s why blood donors are always in demand.

• Here in West Tennessee, LIFELINE Blood Services is the official provider of 27,000 units of blood to patients in 19, local West Tennessee hospitals, including our local hospital here in Weakley County. Patients who suffer from diseases like leukemia, other cancers, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia and other illnesses often benefit from blood transfusions.  Other conditions that may require blood transfusions include premature births, accidents and major surgeries. Thanks to the dedication of thousands of volunteer blood donors, LIFELINE Blood Services is able to meet this goal.

•  January was officially named “National Volunteer Blood Donor Month” several years ago because it’s a good month to thank everyone who gives blood for their life-saving act and to encourage others to become blood donors. Also, during winter months, it is usually harder to keep blood donations “up” because so many blood donors can’t give blood because they are sick with flu and colds or  bad weather prevents them from being able to make their appointment to give blood.

“There is currently a critical need for all blood types for patients in West Tennessee . 

• Negative is needed most urgently. All eligible donors are urged to give blood this week when the LIFELINE Bloodmobile visits E. W. James of Martin today from 12–6 p.m.  For more information, please call 800-924-6572.”

All eligible donors are urged to give blood when the LIFELINE Bloodmobile visits  Weakley County Jan. 21 at Southside Church of Christ in Dresden from 12-6 p.m. 

“There is currently a critical need for all blood types for patients in West Tennessee . Although all types  are needed and the supply is dangerously low, 

For more information, please call 800-924-6572.” Published in The WCP 1.15.13