Patients fighting cancer need more blood than patients fighting any other disease, using nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply.
That’s why the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time, ensuring loved ones have the strength and support to battle cancer.
There are several blood drives planned for Monongalia and Preston counties this month. They are:
Monongalia
- 12:30-5:30 p.m. today at WVU College of Law
- 2-6:30 p.m. Wednesday at WVU Student Recreation Center
- Noon-5 p.m. Thursday at HealthWorks Rehab and Fitness, 943 Maple Drive
- 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday at American Red Cross Morgantown, 1299 Pineview Drive, Suite 300
- 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at American Red Cross Morgantown, 1299 Pineview Drive, Suite 300
- 1-6 p.m., Feb. 21 at Defense in Depth, 1389 Earl Core Road
- 1:30-7 p.m. Feb. 24 at the WVU Student Rec Center
- 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 26 at WVU Lyon Tower, Evansdale Drive
- 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 28 at Health Science Center South Tower, 1 Medical Center Drive
- 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at American Red Cross Morgantown, 1299 Pineview Drive, Suite 300
Preston
- 12:15-5:15 p.m. today at Kingwood Community Building, 115 Brown Ave.
According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 3 people in the bloodAU.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. An estimated 12,380 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in West Virginia this year. Many of these people will likely have a need for blood.
To schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment or make a financial gift, visit GiveBloodToGiveTime.org.
Some types of chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, reducing red blood cell and platelet production. Other times, the cancer itself or surgical procedures cause the problem. Blood products are often needed. In fact, five units of blood are needed every minute to help someone going through cancer treatment. Yet only 3% of people in the United States give blood. More people are needed to donate regularly to help meet the need.
Other blood donation opportunities:
Harrison County
- noon-5:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at St. Marks Lutheran Church Social Hall, U.S. 19 South, Clarksburg
- 1:15-6:15 p.m. Feb. 26 at Benedum Center, 164 West Main St., Bridgeport
- 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 27 at South Harrison High School, Lost Creek
Marion County
- 12:15-5:45 p.m. Feb. 13 at Turley Center, 1201 Locust Ave., Fairmont
Taylor County
- 8:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Feb. 14 at Grafton High School
How to donate blood
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 in most states (16 with parental consent, where allowed by state law), 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
