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McIntosh VFD to host Red Cross blood drive American Red Cross Blood Services The fall is a season of bounty in many terms, a time of harvest and preparation for the holidays waiting just around the corner. But in terms of the blood supply, there is no bounty. A disaster or terrible traffic accident can leave the blood inventory at dangerously low levels, putting lives at risk and leaving many who need blood without blood. However, those who donate blood regularly are the best defense against such a scenario, and with blood drives occurring daily in the Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region, there is really no reason that more people don't give the gift of life by giving blood. Some 65 percent of Americans are eligible to give blood, but only 5 percent do give. In the Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region, that number is even lower, with only 4 percent of us taking time to provide the life-saving blood that can mean the difference between life and death for so many of our friends, co-workers, family members and fellow churchgoers. Donors in McIntosh will get a chance to give blood in the convenient confines of their own community as the American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at the McIntosh Fire Department in McIntosh on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 3 - 7:30 p.m. Anyone who can give blood is encouraged to give the gift of life. While chances are you'll never meet the person who gets a lifetime of special moments because you gave blood, the life you save could be someone you know. Blood is a precious commodity that cannot be made in a lab or pulled from a shelf in times of need. The shelf life of red blood cells is only 42 days, meaning that it cannot be stockpiled for emergencies or saved back for individuals when there is a need. The blood supply must constantly be replenished, and the only way to keep a safe and stable supply is through selfless donors who roll up their sleeves to save lives. The demand is critical, as some 700 units of blood must be collected in the Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region alone just to meet the requests of the 100 hospitals served by the American Red Cross in the Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region. Every two seconds in this country, someone needs blood to survive. Donor blood sends mothers and fathers home to their children and gives kids with cancer a fighting chance at recovery. In order to donate blood, one must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. In order to give, donors must bring a photo ID card or an American Red Cross donor card. If you cannot give, please recruit someone to give in your place. It is important to properly hydrate and nourish yourself before giving blood. Double your water intake in the 48 hours preceding blood donation, and be sure to eat a hearty meal the night before and the day of your donation. If you have had problems with a low iron count in the past, make sure to eat iron rich foods such as raisins, greens, broccoli and beef. It's also important to eat fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C, as it plays a role in the body's ability to absorb iron.
Become a hero to someone in need by giving blood. After all, when you give blood, you give the gift of life. There really is no greater gift one can give.
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