Red Cross hosts local blood drive

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support children, teens and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of transfusions.

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year. Childhood cancer patients might need blood products on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.

Blood and platelet donors of all blood types, especially O-negative and O-positive, are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply following a critical summer blood shortage.

There is a blood drive schedule in Phil Campbell Sept. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Northwest-Shoals Community College, 2080 College Road.