American Red Cross has issued an appeal for blood donors of all types due to a critical blood shortage across our nation.

In May and June, donations were at the lowest level the American Red Cross has seen in this timeframe in over a dozen years, while demand for blood products remained steady. Because of that, American Red Cross needs blood donors now more than ever. All types are needed, but especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient.

We highly encourage all type O negative blood donors who meet the eligibility requirements to double the difference by becoming a double red cell donor. If eligible, you can give to give two donations at once.

Please contact American Red Cross at 520-230-7295 to schedule your appointment to donate or log on to redcrossblood.org Sponsor Code: pimagop (email appeal from the Pima County Republican Party– which is assisting in this drive with a blood drive on Saturday July 30, 9 to 2 p.m.)

Why donate blood?
You don’t need a special reason to give blood.
You just need your own reason.

Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend.
Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day.
Some believe it is the right thing we do.

Whatever your reason, the need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. And you’ll feel good knowing you’ve helped change a life.

Please donate blood if you can.

event flyer for Red Cross

Please RSVP by April 9 (tomorrow) for either of 2 ceremonies, the 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. building dedication & open house, or the 5:30 to 7 p.m. annual meeting & volunteer recognition.

For more info & to RSVP online: www.redcrossarizona.org/welcomehome or call Caitlin Dixon at 520-318-6740, x 124. Parking on site or west of the building at Laff’s Comedy Club parking lot.

“Organized in 1916, the American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter serves more than 1.3 million residents in a five county area, including Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, and Santa Cruz counties. The chapter is headquartered in Tucson and offers a service center in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Through the combined efforts of 500 volunteer staff and 20 paid staff, the Chapter provides services for disaster victims, health and safety instruction, and social services for members of the military and their families.”

Welcome home Red Cross! RSVP today.

If you’re getting a lot of email appeals to help the disaster relief efforts in Haiti, consider going to the website of the Southern Arizona chapter of the American Red Cross (www.redcrossarizona.org) and donate online.

Or do as I did today, drive down to their office at 5301 E. Broadway (between Rosemont and Craycroft) and donate in person. Their office is open today 9 till 5 p.m., tomorrow (Sunday) as well as Monday (a holiday), same hours. Donation phone line is 520-318-6740.

Money is desperately needed for everything according to Executive Director Richard White: water, food, medicine, first aid supplies, tenting for shelters, etc. etc. Your donation goes to the American Red Cross, then to the International Red Cross for all these relief efforts.

I grew up on an active volcanic island (Big Island of Hawaii) with lots of earthquakes, but we’ve never had such a devastating earthquake as Haiti experienced last Tuesday. The photos coming back via the media have been heart wrenching, especially those of the injured, parentless children.

Please help. Donate now. Ask your family, friends, community groups to help also.