Giving blood is timeless

“Giving blood is timeless” is the theme for this year’s campaign between the American Red Cross and Nexcare Bandages.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. In order to ensure that blood products are available for patients in need, the Red Cross Carolinas Blood Region must collect 1,600 units of blood each day.

With no substitute for human blood, those in need rely on the kindness of volunteer donors. To raise awareness and inspire action about this cause, Nexcare Bandages, in partnership with the Red Cross and supermodel Niki Taylor, announce the fourth annual Nexcare give program. This nationwide initiative shines a light on the World Health Organization’s World Blood Donor Day June 14 by thanking those who give blood and encouraging others to get involved.

All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of three $1,000 gift cards.

• 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 8 —Lowe’s of Waynesville Blood Drive

(100 Liner Cove Road). Call 456-9999 to schedule an appointment.

• 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 12 —Maggie Valley United Methodist Church Blood Drive (4192 Soco Road). Call Donna Wagner at 381-0635 f to schedule an appointment.

• 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 13 — MedWest Haywood Blood Drive (75 Leroy George Road, Clyde). Call Kathy Keogh at 452-8089 to schedule an appointment.

• 2 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 14 — Oak Grove Baptist Church Blood Drive (39 Robinson Road, Clyde). Call Stephanie Kuykendall at 400-2505 f to schedule an appointment.

• Noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 18 — Waynesville Community Blood Drive at Waynesville Masonic Lodge (East Marshall Street). Call 456-9586 to schedule an appointment.

• 2 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 19 —Evergreen Packaging Blood Drive (34 Park St., Canton). Call Diane Parker at 646-2129 to schedule an appointment.

• 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 25 — Center Pigeon Fire Department Blood Drive (2412 Pisgah Drive, Highway 110, Canton). Call Eric Kehres at 989-3126 to schedule an appointment.

This year, Nexcare Bandages and the Red Cross will bring attention to the importance of giving blood all year-round. Taylor, Red Cross spokesperson and mother of four, has joined the 2012 Nexcare give program to bring this theme to life and help educate people about the ongoing need for blood donation.

Taylor, a longtime supporter of the Red Cross, became committed to raising awareness about blood donation after her own experience as a patient in need in 2001. Taylor received 100 units of life-saving blood after a near-fatal car accident, and attributes her survival to the donors and doctors who helped save her life.

“I am proud and honored to be involved in the Nexcare give program, and I hope that by sharing my personal story about how Red Cross blood donors saved my life, I can inspire people around the country to get involved,” said Taylor. “I encourage everyone to roll up a sleeve on World Blood Donor Day this year and give.”

To donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age, 16 with parental permission, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.