United Blood Services hosting blood drive

United Blood Services will soon be back in Franklin County for the Russellville Hospital holiday blood drive.

Blood donors can donate blood at the hospital on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the bloodmobile. 

“The need for blood continues through the hustle and bustle of the holidays,” said Toni Gough with United Blood Services.

“Please commit to donate blood and ensure our local patients have a Merry Christmas. Your donation is the gift of a lifetime.

“Make a commitment and give your ‘gift of life,’ to save someone’s life. It will cost you nothing but about an hour of your time.”

United Blood Services is the primary blood and blood products provider to 24 hospitals throughout North Mississippi and Northwest Alabama, including Russellville Hospital.

“Our hospitals know more than anyone how important the need for blood is and how your donation could save someone’s life in your community,” Gough said.

Volunteer blood donors must be least 16 year’s old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.

And now those who wish to donate blood can do so through a quicker and easier process.

Officials with United Blood Services said donors can go to edhq.unitedbloodservices.org the day they plan to donate and complete the health history questionnaire on their website. The health history must be completed the same day as the donation and cannot be completed a day or two ahead of time. When finished, print the Fast Track Donation Ticket and bring it with you to your donation.

To donate at Russellville Hospital, please log on to www.bloodhero.com and use sponsor code “RussHosp” or call United Blood Services at 662-842-8871. You can also contact Deborah Lindsey at 256-332-8676.

Free t-shirts, a free hospital meal ticket and door prizes will be given away during the event.