ARLINGTON — Armstrong Ambulance Service invites the public to attend its Annual Blood Drive next month to help the American Red Cross meet its critical need for blood.
WHEN:
Tuesday, April 13, 2-7 p.m.
WHERE:
Armstrong Ambulance Service, 87 Mystic St., Arlington
WHAT:
Armstrong Ambulance Service will partner with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at its Arlington headquarters.
According to the American Red Cross, a blood shortage is growing more urgent each day. COVID-19 has severely limited the ability of Red Cross and its local partners to collect vitally needed blood and platelets.
The blood drive is open to members of the community and fellow first responders, and serves as an opportunity for all to make a lifesaving blood donation. Those who wish to participate must sign up in advance.
More donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed now to ensure that patients have lifesaving blood products available for emergencies and everyday medical treatments
“In emergency medical services we know that accidents, injuries and sickness do not stop in the midst of a pandemic,” Armstrong CEO Rich Raymond said. “We’re asking the community to consider participating so we can help others and help save lives.”
According to the Red Cross:
- One blood donor has the potential to save three lives.
- Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.
- One in 10 patients who show up to a hospital will need blood.
- A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
- Blood is only good for 42 days.
Donors will receive a feeling of joy at helping their neighbor.
Those interested may schedule a blood donation appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting redcrossblood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa or Echo device.
For more information, visit redcrossblood.org/missingtypes.
Members of the media are welcome and are asked to RSVP by contacting Meredith Lambroff at 781-859-1306 or MLambroff@armstrongambulance.com before the event. Media members are required to wear a face mask or covering, and to practice social distancing.
Attending media are asked to not photograph donors without prior permission.