Blood drive slated today

By Melinda L. Lucas

An Albany blood drive is set for today, Dec. 2, coinciding with an announcement that there is a critical need for blood in the Big Country.

According to Kelsey Caprio with the blood center, the holidays have led to a critical shortage of blood A and O blood types, but all types are needed.

Caprio commented that there is typically a shortage this time of year as donors are busy with traveling and preparing for the holidays. She encourages Albany residents to come out and give blood as their donation could be helping anyone from an accident victim to a new mother.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals.

The Kiwanis Club blood drives are scheduled roughly every eight weeks.

This is the last blood drive of 2021, with the first collection date of the new year scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 27, eight weeks from now. There are six drives on the calendar for 2022, according to Caprio.

Those who have eligibility questions can call 325-670-2880.