Two blood drives set for August

Donating blood can help many patients in many ways.

High school student Amari Lemon is one Texan whose life has been changed by the compassion of Lone Star blood donors. Diagnosed with acute leukemia three years ago at the age of 14, Amari has received several transfusions over the course of her intense cancer treatments.

“Blood and platelets have helped me so much during my treatment, from curing headaches and tiredness to reducing bloody noses and bruises,” she said.

Currently, all blood types are needed, especially type O. The universal blood type, O negative can be used to treat any patient; it’s also the only type of blood used to treat premature and unborn babies. O positive blood is used in emergencies, such as severe trauma or massive bleeding injuries.

“It takes less than an hour to donate blood,” said James Black, Senior Public Relations Specialist with Carter BloodCare. “Most of that time is for a donor health questionnaire and a wellness check of your temperature, blood pressure, hemoglobin, weight and pulse. The actual blood donation itself only takes 10 minutes. That’s 10 minutes out of your entire week that can save three lives today.”

Donors are urged to give blood at their upcoming Carter BloodCare blood drive this month.

Carter BloodCare notes eligible blood donors must be 16 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and feel well on the day of their donation. There is no upper age limit for donating blood.

“Your blood donation might save a life or simply make a cancer patient feel better,” said Amari.

There are two local blood drives in August.

8:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Aug. 11 at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, 2700 E. Broad St.

Sign up at: https://ww3.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/143640

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 13 at St. John Lutheran Church, 1218 E. Debbie Lane

Sign up at: https://ww3.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/142789

‍