CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The American Red Cross “Tour of Duty” will be in North Central West Virginia in the coming days to try and inspire donors to come out during a time of the year when donations typically drop.
“During the summer we see a significant drop in donations,” said Adam Reaves with the American Red Cross during an interview on the MetroNews-affiliated “The Mike Queen Show” on the AJR News Network.. “It’s an average of about two donors per blood drive, which nationally equates to about 10,000 fewer donors.”
There will be blood drives in Weston, Elkins, Bridgeport, and Buckhannon. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to come out.
“We’re looking for our regular donors, our every 56-day donors, new donors, folks that haven’t donated in a while, to come out and see us,” said Reaves.
On Tuesday, July 14, the “Tour” will stop in Weston at the First Baptist Church. On Wednesday, July 15 they move to the First United Methodist Church in Elkins. On Friday, July 17, they’ll be at the Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport. The “Tour” finishes in our area on Monday, July 20 at Chapel Hill in Buckhannon. Anyone who participates in the drive will get a limited edition “hero” t-shirt.
If you’re unsure about whether or not you’re eligible to donate blood, Reaves said that you should still come down if you want to donate. Trained staff members will be on-hand to determine whether or not you can donate blood. The American Red Cross estimates that for every one person that donates, that blood can save three lives.
“If you know you’re eligible, come on in,” said Reaves. “If you’re not sure if you’re eligible to donate and you want to go over the criteria, come on in. Pay us a visit, get your t-shirt, talk to our wonderful staff. They’ll guide you through the process.”
More information is available at www.redcrossblood.org.