Blood recipient encourages Atlantans to donate.
ATLANTA, Ga. (September 12, 2011)—Every day in Atlanta, someone like 25-year-old Joanna Reid needs a blood transfusion. Unfortunately, the need for blood far exceeds donations. To help meet this need, Piedmont Hospital is hosting a blood drive on September 16, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the McRae Auditorium, in the 1984 building. North deck parking is complimentary.
Atlanta resident Joanna Reid is thankful for
her Piedmont blood donors
Reid, who suffers from chronic medical conditions, unexpectedly collapsed in her Tucker home on the morning of August 22. Her family immediately took her to Piedmont Hospital where doctors discovered her hematocrit levels were dangerously low. Reid required multiple blood transfusions and several nights of close observation.
“I am extremely grateful to the generous individuals who took the time out of their day to donate at a recent blood drive,” said Reid. “When people see that sign for a blood drive they may not think they have the time, or perhaps they don't think their contribution will make that big of a difference, but I encourage those individuals to give donation a second thought. With an hour of their time and a pint of their blood, several strangers essentially saved my life.”
Because it has a limited shelf life, the need for blood is constant. Donating blood is a simple process that helps to save more than five million people in need of blood transfusions each year in the United States. Blood is needed every two seconds for emergency medical situations and is often needed for the treatment of accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs and surgery patients.
Only about 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, and only a fraction of those eligible actually donate. If you qualify as a donor, Piedmont asks that you visit redcrossblood.org and schedule your appointment using the sponsor code “paces.” Your single donation could save up to three lives across the state.
All blood types are needed, but type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage.
Donors must be 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors must not have given blood in the last 56 days. Walk-ins are welcome; however appointments will be honored first.