Summer is typically a very difficult time to collect blood donations, as other summer activities often conflict with donation appointments for regular blood donors. However, hospital patients in Kansas don’t get a vacation from needing blood. The need is constant and donated blood is perishable. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days, so they must be constantly replenished. The American Red Cross is asking blood donors to help prevent a summer shortage by making an appointment to roll up a sleeve and help save a life with a blood donation. Please join us for our next community blood drive from 11:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2104 Bob Billings Parkway.

In addition to collecting pints of lifesaving blood that day, we are also celebrating the 97th birthday of long-time volunteer, Margaret Shirk. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of extraordinary voluntary service by Margaret to the American Red Cross in Douglas County. During this time, she has only missed two blood drives. While blood collections is her passion, Margaret has served in a multitude of leadership positions for our local chapter, including board chair. Her support of our mission has been invaluable and she has been an integral part of the Douglas County community her entire life. We invite all of our donors and other well-wishers to drop by to extend their congratulations to Margaret on this incredible milestone.

To donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in Kansas), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit www.redcross.org, or contact Executive Director Jane Blocher at 843-3550 or Jane.Blocher@redcross.org