Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Hosts Blood Drive August 4

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center will host an American Red Cross Blood drive on Thursday, August 4, 11:30 am to 5 pm in its employee cafeteria. This drive provides an opportunity[private] to make a double donation of red blood cells. Red blood cells are the most frequently used blood component and are needed by almost every type of patient requiring transfusion. Double red cell donation is done with the help of a special machine which collects the red cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor. Choosing to donate double the red blood cells is a way to make a greater impact during a single donation. To learn more, visit www.redcrossblood.org. In addition, Red Cross blood donor eligibility requirements have changed recently. Those who have been deferred from donating in the past are encouraged to check their eligibility again. The website www.redcrossblood.org has more information about eligibility. Potential donors can also call 1-800-RED CROSS for more information. To make an appointment to donate, visit www.redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text bloodapp to 90999 to download the app to your smartphone. As always, walk-ins will be accommodated as well. Those who are unfamiliar with the SVMC campus may stop at the information desk in the main lobby for directions to the drive.[/private]