DERRY — Emergencies don’t take a holiday. As we head into the summer months and more Granite Staters are traveling, camping, boating and engaging in other outdoor activities, the risk of accidents increases.
It is critical that hospitals have lifesaving blood products on hand for trauma victims and other patients. A single car accident victim, for example, may require up to 100 units of blood. When every second counts, blood products help provide lifesaving care.
The American Red Cross and the Derry Police Department are teaming up to help hospital patients in New Hampshire and across the country.
Join to save a life by scheduling an appointment to give blood at the annual Derry Police Department Blood Drive on Wednesday, June 4, at Calvary Bible Church of Derry, 145 Hampstead Road. Appointments are available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“There is no greater commitment to serve others, that we can make as individuals, than by donating blood. That’s why we are inviting the Greater Derry community to roll up a sleeve with us on June 4,” said Chief George Feole, Derry Police Department
Every day, the Red Cross must collect about 13,000 blood donations to meet the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and those receiving treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease.
While all blood types are needed, type O donors are especially important. Type O is the universal blood group and what emergency room personnel reach for when there isn’t time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.
Type O negative blood can be given to any patient, regardless of their blood type, and is often in high demand. Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.
To make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit www.RedCrossBlood.org or download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App. The keyword for online registration is DERRYPOLICE.
Donors will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, pizza, and special treats from Dunkin’ and Lindt, while supplies last. Come to give blood in June and get a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Plus, get a chance to win a $7,000 prize! There will be two winners. More information at rcblood.org/Count.