Letter: Give blood Monday
To the Editor:
Dedicated blood donors and volunteers in Peabody have committed to give their time and blood to help patients in need by hosting several blood drives each year. On behalf of hospital patients everywhere, I want to thank Peabody community for this commitment. It is indeed a precious gift.
Today's medical advancements allow patients to live longer, healthier lives and this can create a greater demand for blood products than ever before.
To maintain an adequate blood supply, we must go often to communities where there are generous, eligible donors — like Peabody. This year alone, as many as five million patients will require blood transfusions. Nearly 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood yet less than eight percent actually donate. Because of this low percentage, the Red Cross continuously strives to educate the public about the importance of blood donation. Our family, friends, and neighbors rely on Peabody donors to give as often as possible to ensure blood is available when they need it.
Donors can give blood at the next Peabody blood drive from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Methodist church, 403 Sycamore. Call Lynn Berns at 983-2328 to schedule an appointment. Walk-in donors are also welcome. Everyone who comes to donate will receive a free Red Cross T-shirt.
Thank you again to everyone in Peabody who have given many hospital patients another birthday, another hug, another laugh and another chance.
Bev Kerbs
Donor Recruitment Representative
American Red Cross
