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Lowell community encouraged to give blood

The American Red Cross is facing an emergency need for blood and platelets after a significant shortfall in blood donations during the Fourth of July holiday week and ongoing challenges finding new blood donors. Judy McKarnin is answering the call to action to help save patient lives, including her own.

Judy McKarnin is a hardworking registered nurse at Marietta Memorial Hospital. She knows firsthand how critical it is to have lifesaving blood on hand for patients on a professional and personal level. In January 2018, Judy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cell cancer. She has received countless blood transfusions and blood products since her diagnosis.

Despite her diagnosis, McKarnin continues to work to help patients in need. On July 15, she is hosting a blood drive at the Lowell VFD. The entire Lowell community is encouraged to give.

Every two seconds, someone needs blood or some type of blood product. The need for blood does not stop. For every unit of blood donated, up to three lives are impacted. You can make a difference!

#GiveNow in Honor of Judy McKarnin.

How to donate blood

Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are encouraged. Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor app.

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