Save lives … then see a movie!

Blood drive organizers ask teens to lead communities

Carter Blood Care Stewart Center and ETMC Athens are hosting a High School Blood Drive Marathon on Wednesday, July 30. Participants not only have the satisfaction of helping save lives – they’ll also enjoy free movie tickets and get a chance to win Olympic brand goods and free airfare.

High school students 17 and older from Athens, Brownsboro, Eustace, Malakoff, Crossroads, Trinidad, Chandler, LaRue, Poynor, Tool, Seven Points, Gun Barrel City and the entire Cedar Creek Lake area are encouraged to lead their communities in donating blood.

The Blood Mobile Unit will be full staffed and parked at one of the ETMC physicians’ clinics on the hospital campus on South Palestine Street in Athens. Life-saving donations of blood will be accepted from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Donors will receive two free movie tickets and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card for Olympic gear – plus an Olympic sports bag. Donors will also be entered into a drawing for two free airfares on American Airlines.

All community members are asked to participate in this important event. Donors are encouraged to set an appointment, but walk-ups are accepted as well. You can make an appointment and get more information by calling Judy Carlisle, a financial consultant at ETMC Athens, at 903-676-1111.

“We’re all very excited about this event,” said Carlisle. “High school students make up about 30 percent of the blood donor population.”

Qualifying donors will also have the option of donating much-needed red blood cells only. This automated process, known as Alyx, processes just the red blood cells from the donation and gives the donors a return of plasma and platelets. Red blood cells are in great demand, as they provide much-needed oxygen and are used in extreme amounts of blood-loss situations.

Red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days, and platelets, the clotting factor most commonly required by cancer patients, are good for only five days. Because of these short shelf lives, patients depend upon the generosity of regular blood donors.

Individuals may donate blood every 56 days (eight weeks). Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, have a valid photo ID and be in general good health. Please drink plenty of fluids and have a healthy meal at least three to four hours prior to donating.

“Be a part of something great,” encouraged Carlisle. “Donate for your favorite high school and save lives.”

For more information about donor eligibility or interest in sponsoring a blood drive for your group, church or family, please call Dianne Martin 903-571-8200 or visit www.carterbloodcare.org.