Midland Health is hosting a blood drive to take place on March 8 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Employees and local residents in good health are requested to make appointments to donate at the F. Marie Hall Outpatient Center, located at 4214 Andrews Hwy.
"Severe winter weather across the country has led to many donation appointment cancellations in the past week, and over 1,000 donations went uncollected,” Midland Health Community Relations Coordinator Taylor Wiedenfeld told Midland Times. “We never want to be in a situation where we run out of blood, so donating blood is vital to stay proactive and save lives."
When asked about the critical need for blood donations and how this upcoming drive addresses that need, Wiedenfeld said, "Donating, especially Power Red, is helpful for trauma victims, newborn babies, and sickle cell patients, for example."
Wiedenfeld shared a personal connection to the cause, saying, "My grandpa had a rare blood disease where he had a blood transfusion about every week, and I can’t thank all the donors enough that contributed to his transfusions and allowed us to have more time with him. Every donation counts and makes an impact in the lives all around us." Wiedenfeld provided a resource for those interested in understanding the impact of blood drives and the importance of donating: https://www.vitalant.org/learn/impact-of-blood-donation.
“Along with the great content in the link, it’s extremely important to have as many community members donate when they can,” said Wiedenfeld. “We never know when an accident or disaster is going to happen and we never want to run out of blood to save peoples lives.”
To participate in the blood drive, sign up here or call Taylor Wiedenfeld at 432-221-4510.