Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital to host blood drive Sept. 29

Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, in collaboration with the American Red Cross and the Lewis County Emergency Squad, will host a blood drive from 1-6 p.m., Sept. 29, at Lewis County EMS building on West Second Street. Volunteers will be on hand to assist donors.

Donors may sign up for the blood drive via the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

“Donating blood is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways we can come together to save lives,” said Lisa Songer, Chief Administrative Officer, Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital. “We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross and the Lewis County Emergency Squad to provide this opportunity for our community. Every donation makes a difference, and we encourage everyone to consider giving.”

According to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. A single car accident can require as much as 100 units of blood, the most requested blood type is O, and one donation can save more than one life.

Donors are still eligible even if they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or if they are taking medications for high blood pressure or for high cholesterol prescribed to prevent coronary artery disease. To learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org.