Final Day of New Year Blood Drive

The American Red Cross continues to encourage the community to make a lifesaving blood donation this year during their special 4-day campaign.

Eligible donors are encouraged to roll up a sleeve today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Concord United Methodist Church, 5178 Hinkleville Road, in Paducah. The drive began on Sunday.

The region faces an urgent need for blood and platelet donors. Donations often decline during the holidays. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients.

Anthony Tennin, with the Red Cross speaking on the Greg Dunker Show, explained that when you give blood, your body simply replenishes it. He said they have donors that have given many gallons of blood over their lifetime, which has touched literally hundreds of lives.

Those who come out to give will receive a free car wash courtesy of Finish Line Car Wash, a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, and be entered into drawings for $25 gift cards each hour.

Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter. If you can host a blood drive at your school, church or workplace, contact the Red Cross.

You can schedule an appointment to give blood by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering sponsor code: PaducahCM. Walk-ins are welcome.