By Staff
Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and more possible damage, injuries and loss of life from Hurricane Rita, blood supplies could run dangerously low.
The hurricane, along with displacing hundreds of thousands of people, many medical facilities, along with the blood banks were destroyed.
The American Red Cross has joined other members of the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism and are presently meeting the nation's needs.
Still, with blood having a shelf life of only 42 days, blood donations are always needed, especially now.
Area blood drives include:
Friday, Sept. 23 – noon-5:45 p.m. - First Church of Christ, 2240 Yankee, Niles.
Saturday, Sept. 24 - 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m. - Porter Township Emergency Services, 69401 Baldwin Prairie Road, Union.
Monday, Sept. 26 - 2-7:45 p.m. - American Legion, US-12 in Edwardsburg.
Tuesday, Sept. 27 - 1-6:45 p.m. - St. Ann's Catholic Church, 421 N. Broadway, Cassopolis.
Wednesday, Sept. 29 - 1-6:45 p.m. - Niles Fire Department, 1345 E. Main, Niles.
Friday, Oct. 28 - 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. - Dowagiac Lions at Lions Club, 28606 Bluebird Lane, Dowagiac.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health.
No appointments are necessary for most drives.
Take time to donate and save a life.