The American Red Cross is reporting that the blood inventory levels are so low it is unable to sufficiently meet the demand of local hospitals. While there is a constant need for all blood types, donors with type O positive, O negative, A positive and A negative are asked to take an hour to donate right away. Please see the attached information regarding eligibility requirements and locations of blood drives. red-cross.pdf

In an effort to help states whose Red Cross funds have been almost depleted due to recent flooding, the Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross is partnering with Monroe Mall to sell sandbags that will be displayed in the mall this month. For each $5 donation, participants will get a minisandbag. The proceeds will be donated to the recent victims of the Iowa floods. In addition, the mall has built a levee in the center court area surrounded by sandbags and photographs of the flooded region. A free concert has also been scheduled for July 19 at the mall on U.S. 74 to further support the efforts. Playing will be the Tara Allison Band, recently seen at Speed Street. Proceeds will go to the Red Cross. Information is available at 704-289-6547.

The American Red Cross of Union County is proud to announce the addition of an Instructor Training Class to its list of available courses. The Lay Responder First Aid and CPR/AED Instructor class is a fun, three day session, where interested individuals will learn how to become First Aid, CPR, and AED instructors, gaining the skills necessary to teach other people how to save a life.

“This class is the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to become an instructor, and will cover topics such as teaching to large groups and ensuring that everyone stays interested and engaged, and choosing the appropriate materials based on the specific needs of the participants,” explains Cecilia Dessingue, Preparedness Program Associate for the Union County chapter. “You will learn how to teach first aid and other health and safety skills to church groups, scouts, or other community organizations, and it’s great for companies who would like to have one or more employees trained as certified instructors, thereby doing their own in-house training sessions. I’m very excited to be able to bring this opportunity to the community, but space is limited, so be sure to sign up today!”

The class runs from 8:30am to 5:30pm on February 21st, 22nd and 23rd, and you must attend all three sessions in order to become certified. They will take place at the Stallings location, on 323 Stallings Road, and cost $125. All books and handouts will be provided. In order to take the class you must hold current certifications in Adult/Infant/Child CPR, AED, and First Aid Basics, and must provide proof of your certifications. Last day to register is 5:00pm on Friday, February 15th.

If you would like to sign up for the instructor course or gain more information on this or other health and safety classes, please contact the chapter at 704-283-7402 for Union County or 704-694-3514 for Anson County, or log-on to www.unioncountyredcross.org.

Two weeks into the New Year, the American Red Cross faces a severe shortage of several blood types. We typically see a drastic decline in blood donations at the end of the year, which causes a serious blood shortage at the beginning of January. Locally, supplies of type O negative, B negative and A negative blood are at less than a day’s supply. Eligible donors are needed immediately to give blood to prevent supply levels from dropping even further in the coming days and weeks, and to avert a crisis for patients in need of lifesaving transfusions.

For those that already donate regularly, we thank you, and ask you to keep it up! For first time donors or those who haven’t donated in a while, you are encouraged to come out to one of the multiple blood drives the Union County Chapter holds each month. Just one pint can help save up to three lives.

While all blood types are needed, the low supply of type O blood is of particular concern. Type O is the most commonly used blood type, and can be used for all patients. However, it is often essential to the treatment of trauma patients, newborns and women who are pregnant. Please spread the word to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers about the blood shortage and the high importance of giving blood.

The Carolinas Blood Services Region needs 1,600 blood donations a day in order to adequately supply the 103 hospitals it serves. Donors must be 17 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. Below is a list of upcoming blood drives across Union and Anson Counties.

• Friday January 18 – The Union County Sheriff’s Department is holding a drive at the Agricultural Conference Center on Presson Road. The drive will be open to the public from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

• Wednesday January 23rd – First Presbyterian Church in Wadesboro will host the Wadesboro Community drive from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm. The church is located at 208 South Green Street in downtown Wadesboro.

• Saturday January 26th – Bonds Grove United Methodist Church will host a drive at the church on Bonds Grove Church Road in Waxhaw. The drive is from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

• Monday January 28th – Zion United Methodist on Old Fish Road will host a drive from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

For more information on the American Red Cross of Union County, donating blood, or a complete listing of blood drives, please contact the chapter at 704-283-7402 for Union County or 704-694-3514 for Anson County, or log-on to www.unioncountyredcross.org.

For the last 37 years, January has been set aside as the time of year to honor volunteer blood donors. During National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross would like to thank everyone who gives blood and helps patients in about 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.

National Blood Donor Month not only honors those who give blood each year, but is also a time to educate and encourage new donors about the importance of giving blood. Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, and therefore constantly needs to be replenished. Donors can give every 56 days, or up to six times a year.

January is historically a time of year when the number of people giving blood drops dramatically. Bad weather and illness keep many from being able to donate. Yet, despite these and other factors, the need for blood donations continues. Donating is a great way to support the community, and helps to ensure that a stable inventory is available for premature babies, cancer patients, sickle cell anemia treatments, or the many accidents and other illnesses which may require transfusions. This year, make a difference, and give blood.

In December, the Union County Chapter held 10 blood drives, including 2 in Anson County, which resulted in a combination of 232 units, 165 in Union County and 67 units in Anson County. We appreciate the generosity of our sponsors and donors, and hope to increase these numbers in January. Below is a list of the upcoming blood drives in Union and Anson counties.

UNION COUNTY
Wednesday, January 9th – 10:30am to 3:00pm
Sponsored by: City of Monroe
Aquatic Center – 2325 Hanover - Monroe

Wednesday, January 9th – 2:30pm to 7:00pm
Sponsored by: Unionville Baptist Church
Unionville Community Building
1004 Unionville-Indian Trail Road - Monroe

Sunday, January 13th– 10:00am to 3:00pm
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
725 Deese Street – Monroe

Friday, January 18th – 3:00pm to 7:30pm
Union County Sheriff’s Department
Agricultural Center – 3230 Presson Road – Monroe

Saturday, January 26th – 10:00am to 2:30pm
Bonds Grove United Methodist Church
8215 Bonds Grove United Methodist Church – Waxhaw

Monday, January 28th – 4:00pm to 8:30pm
Zion United Methodist Church
1521 Old Fish Road – Monroe

ANSON COUNTY
Wednesday, January 23rd – 1:30pm to 6:00pm
Sponsored by: Wadesboro Community
First Presbyterian Church – 208 S. Green Street – Wadesboro

In general, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and be in general good health. This year, you can make a difference. All it takes is the willingness to help someone in need and a pint of your blood. On behalf of all of those who may need blood, we thank you.

For more information on the American Red Cross of Union County or donating blood, please contact the chapter at 704-283-7402 for Union County or 704-694-3514 for Anson County, or log-on to www.unioncountyredcross.org.

The American Red Cross of Union County is delighted to announce the arrival of a special and much needed gift, a Local Emergency Response Vehicle (LERV). The LERV arrived on Tuesday, December 18, to a very excited and anxious group of Red Cross volunteers and staff. Driven by volunteer Chuck Clary, and purchased by proud Red Cross supporters Martha and Steve Allen, the LERV now sits in the Red Cross parking lot, awaiting the opportunity to bring relief and support to disaster victims and emergency workers throughout Union and Anson Counties.

“The soldier who goes into battle with the finest equipment and the highest morale can defeat any enemy,” explains donor Steve Allen. “It’s no different for the Red Cross Disaster Volunteers - except that their enemy is cold, hunger, fatigue, darkness, grief, and despair. This new LERV will give the Disaster Volunteers an advantage over the enemy. And with this equipment supporting their skill and dedication, the upcoming battles for the citizens of Union and Anson Counties will be won again and again.”

The new response vehicle will be used for local disaster response, such as family fires and assisting first responders with mass feeding requests, etc.

“We are so excited to have received such a fantastic gift,” states Kathy Bragg, Community Executive for the chapter. “This response vehicle is going to help us be there When Help Can’t Wait for so many experiencing crises in our community.”

The American Red Cross is not a government agency, and relies on the generous support of people like the Allens and other Union and Anson County residents to continue bringing life saving services to the community.

For more information on the American Red Cross of Union County or ways you can help, please contact the chapter at 704-283-7402 for Union County or 704-694-3514 for Anson County, or log-on to www.unioncountyredcross.org.