OWASA hosts blood drive

On Friday, Feb. 24, OWASA will sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Community Room on the lower floor of OWASA’s Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road in Carrboro.
“The winter months are particularly challenging, so we are especially grateful to those who roll up their sleeves this time of year,” said Caroline Allison, American Red Cross Donor Recruitment Representative for the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “Patients in our area hospitals depend on the generosity of blood donors every day. There is always a special need for donors with type O negative blood. O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to patients of any type in an emergency situation.”
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood, and volunteer donors are the only source.
Donors must be in general good health, have photo identification, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 17 years old or 16 years old with parental consent. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet height and weight requirements
People who come to donate will have the chance to win a pair of roundtrip domestic tickets from Delta Air Lines and be entered to win one of three three-day oceanfront vacation rentals at the Islander Inn and Suites on Emerald Isle, courtesy of Bluewater Real Estate and Vacation Rentals.
Anna Maria’s and OWASA will provide food.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or contact Kelly Chapman at (919) 537-4370 or kchapman@owasa.org. Making an appointment will allow the donation process to go more smoothly for everyone. Walk-ins are welcome after noon. Information is also available from the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS.