41NBC Memorial Blood Drive kicks off

Blood drives are being held through May 29 in Warner Robins, Gray, Macon, Centerville, Milledgeville and Dublin.

1 hour ago

Tyrik Wynn,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – 41NBC and the American Red Cross are kicking off the 41NBC Memorial Blood Drive today.

We are encouraging people in Middle Georgia to donate blood during the drive.

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.

Kaitlin VanVoorhis with the American Red Cross says a single donation can make a major impact.

“One donation can actually go on to impact up to three lives it’s really incredible and every two seconds someone in the US needs blood so it’s maybe 10 minutes in the bed and it can save someone’s life,” said VanVoorhis.

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.