New way to save a life

Posted by Kayla Phantom On Monday, January 2nd 2012 in Health

There has been a recent ribbon cutting that celebrated a venture for residents and businesses and a new way to save lives. The American Red Cross revealed its local partnership during an Ozark Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at O.C. Inside the community rooms there had been set up blood donation stations that give the residents a chance to make a difference.

“Any hospital throughout the U.S. can ask the Red Cross for blood,” said Lori McLerran, donor recruitment account manager for the Ozarks Red Cross. “We help anyone who needs blood, which is every two seconds in the United States.”

Ozark and Christian County will now be able to help. The Red Cross wishes to have blood drives at the center every month.

According to the Red Cross website nearly 40,000 blood donations are necessary everyday. Each donation can save up to three lives. Moreover donating takes less than an hour.

“The actual donation is less than 10 minutes,” McLerran said. “Then there’s about 15 minutes of health history—blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron levels and a series of FDA-regulated questions. Then we fill you up with refreshments.”

Businesses can also sponsor the drive in a win-win situation.

“It’s a great way for you, the business, to attach yourself to something specific and community-minded,” Ozark Chamber Director Dori Grinder said. “Especially since they’ve worked out all the kinks, all you have to do is show up.”

All donations are made for a great cause.

“Donating blood is the easiest way to save up to three lives with just a few moments of your time,” McLerran said.