By Staff
From staff reports
Every two seconds someone will need blood this holiday season, and the Breewton community of Brewton has an opportunity to meet that need tomorrow, Monday, Dec. 27, when the East Escambia Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive.
The blood drive is set from noon until 5 p.m. at the Brewton Civic Center, which is located at 1010 B Douglas Street. Donors must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.
Blood donations traditionally decline around the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Schools and colleges are closed, families are out of town and schedules are hectic. However, the need for blood rises. More people traveling results in more accidents and many people schedule elective procedures during this time off from work.
Each blood donation can help save the lives of two or more people.
Recently, the community struggled through a devastating storm. Hurricane Ivan has impacted the area in many ways and people continue to see reminders on a daily basis. The American Red Cross supports families and communities during emergencies like Ivan but they also support families and communities with "silent emergencies." When a loved one needs life-saving blood that is an emergency that does not necessarily make the nightly news. An Alabama hospital patient recently received 34 units of blood after contracting a bacterial infection from a severe burn. Blood must be on the shelf and available before such medical emergencies occur.
While people enjoy time with their families and friends during this season of giving, the American Red Cross asks everyone to please help give another smile, another day, another Christmas to someone you may never even meet, but whose life you will touch in such a personal way.