Woodland Meadows Elementary School to Host Blood Drive

American Red Cross officials hope events like Tuesday's blood drive at Woodland Meadows Elementary School will restock depleted blood supplies.

"We are still trying to make up for a winter where we experienced fewer donations because of the bad weather and storms," said American Red Cross spokeswoman Bridget Tuohey. "We're hoping to get the word out to as many people an possible to come to the blood drives and donate, or to make an appointment with the Red Cross and donate blood."

The blood drive at Woodland Meadows Elementary School takes place from 2:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

"The Red Cross and Heritage Elementary are working together to see that those in need have the blood and plasma they need to survive," said Heritage Elementary School Principal Les Sharon. "It is our hope that the students will learn more about the necessity and sacrifice that go into donating blood and that they will be ready to do the same in the few short years between now and adulthood."

To schedule a time to donate blood at Tuesday's drive, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the "salineschools" as the sponsor code.

People who wish to make an appointment to donate blood at another time can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with O-Negative, A-Negative and B-Negative blood.

Individuals who are 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Donors are asked to bring their Red Cross blood donor card or another form of identification.

The Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region serves five counties, and needs to collect about 900 units of blood a day to meet patient need in 43 hospitals.In addition to supplying nearly half of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.