Red Cross hosts blood drive until 3 p.m. today, April 12

From press release

The Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross invites the community to roll up their sleeves to donate blood. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, April 12, area residents can stop by the local Chapter, 727 N. Church St., to help the organization collect lifesaving blood and blood products.

Blood and platelets can be used for trauma victims—the result of accidents and burns—heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies, when there are complications during childbirth, and for patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease.

Blood is a perishable product. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must be replenished constantly—there simply is no substitute.

As a national network, the American Red Cross has a unique responsibility to meet the growing demand for blood and help ensure blood is available for patients whenever and wherever it is needed. While the Red Cross first meets the needs of area hospitals, it can also provide blood throughout the country when needed.

As Americans become increasingly mobile, eligible donors can feel good knowing that by donating to the Red Cross they may be helping patients not only in their community, but also their family and friends across the nation.

For more information about American Red Cross blood collections or to register for the next drive, visit www.givebloodgivelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.