41NBC Memorial Blood Drive returns to Middle Georgia

The blood drive will take place May 25 through May 29 at multiple locations across Middle Georgia, including Macon, Warner Robins, Gray, Centerville, Milledgeville and Dublin

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — 41NBC and the American Red Cross are encouraging people in Middle Georgia to donate blood during the 14th annual 41NBC Memorial Blood Drive ahead of the Memorial Day holiday.

Blood drives will be held across Middle Georgia from May 25 through May 29 in Warner Robins, Gray, Macon, Centerville, Milledgeville and Dublin.

• May 25: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — American Red Cross, 346 Corder Road, Warner Robins
• May 26: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Hart’s Mortuary, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray
• May 26: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Sardis-Heard Funerals and Cremation Center, 6125 Houston Road, Macon
• May 27: Noon to 5 p.m. — Houston County Public Library, 206 Gunn Road, Centerville
• May 27: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — American Red Cross, 6080 Lakeside Commons Drive, Macon
• May 28: Noon to 4 p.m. — Allied Arts at Allen’s Market, 101 Floyd L Griffin Jr. St., Milledgeville
• May 28: Noon to 5 p.m. — First Baptist Church, 405 Bellevue Ave., Dublin
• May 29: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, 1826 Veterans Blvd., Dublin
• May 29: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — American Red Cross, 6080 Lakeside Commons Drive, Macon

According to the American Red Cross, blood donations often decline during holiday weekends, creating a greater need for donors to help maintain a stable blood supply for hospitals and emergency situations. Officials say every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood.

The Red Cross says Type O blood donors are especially important during emergencies because O-negative blood can be used for patients of any blood type when there is no time to determine a match.

May is also recognized as Trauma Awareness Month, and officials say blood donations help hospitals remain prepared for accidents, surgeries and other medical emergencies.

41NBC has partnered with the American Red Cross since 2013 and has helped collect more than 2,100 units of blood. Holly Long with the American Red Cross says the goal for this year’s drive is to collect at least 140 units of blood.

People who donate blood between May 25 and May 29 will receive an oversized Red Cross beach towel while supplies last.

Eligible donors can schedule an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code “41NBC,” or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.