Blood supplies remain dangerously low across the United States. UAB Medicine and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive at UAB Hospital North Pavilion, 615 18th Street, Monday, Jan. 30 through Thursday, Feb. 2.
The drive will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Appointments are encouraged and are available at www.redcrossblood.org, sponsor code “UABNP”, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment prior to the desired donation day so that it will be reflected in the Red Cross scheduling system. Donors can also save time by using RapidPass to register.
Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Donors will receive a recognition item and a cholesterol screening.
UAB is one of the largest users nationally of blood supplied by blood centers. Donors can give blood up to six times a year, every eight weeks. The process takes about 45 minutes; the actual blood collection usually takes less than 20 minutes.