Sunday, July 5, 2002
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Sunday, July 5, 2002 |
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Good turnout for local blood drive By JOHN
MUNFORD
Local residents responded to the area blood shortage in a big way during the monthly community blood drive at The Gathering Place in Peachtree City Monday afternoon. A total of 52 pints were donated, over and above the preset goal of 30 units, according to Candice Gulden of the American Red Cross. "We really appreciate all the donors from the Peachtree City area," Gulden said. "We love our loyal donors and we depend on them to make sure blood is available in Georgia." Traditionally, the summer months bring blood shortages partially because of the unavailability of high school and college students, who typically account for 15 percent of the area's blood supply, Gulden said. Also, because of it being summer, area businesses are less likely to hold blood drives themselves, she added. The response of local residents was particularly important in light of the summer shortage, Gulden said. "People came out and responded in a time of great need," Gulden said. "If all our donors were like the ones in Peachtree City, we wouldn't have shortages." Victims of auto accidents and transplant patients can use up to 100 pints of blood at one time, Gulden said. Sickle Cell Anemia patients typically use 10-15 pints at a time while heart bypass and Leukemia patients typically use between two and six pints of blood. For more information on blood donation or to sign up your business to hold a blood drive, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. "We'd love to have businesses set up blood drives for the summer," Gulden said.
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