MACON, Ga. — While winter is typically known as the "season of giving," this summer we want you to think about giving blood as part of 13WMAZ's July 4th Blood Drive.
13WMAZ is partnering with the American Red Cross to make a difference this summer — straight from the heart.
It's a project with 20 years of history, and Red Cross officials say blood donations are needed even more as severe weather and other events increase the demand for blood infusions.
Here's what you need to know about how you can help make a difference and save lives in the process:
Why you should donate blood
Blood infusions are a life-and-death situation. There is often a shortage in the blood supply when doctors need it most. Back in January, the Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage when it experienced "the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years."
That's where you step in. With blood donations drying up, the Red Cross and 13WMAZ are calling on you to make a difference in our community.
What are blood donations used for? Well, quite simply, blood donations save lives. They are crucial during all sorts of medical care ranging from cancer treatment to major surgeries to people suffering serious injuries from car crashes or natural disasters.
According to the Red Cross, someone needs blood every two seconds in the United States. With your help, we can keep the blood supply strong.
Here's where you can join 13WMAZ in our July 4th Blood Drive.
When and where you can give
Macon:
When: Wednesday, July 3 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Where: American Red Cross of Central Georgia at 6080 Lakeside Commons Drive
Warner Robins:
When: Wednesday, July 3 between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Where: Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins campus, 80 Cohen Walker Drive
Dublin:
When: Friday, July 5 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Where: Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, 1826 Veterans Boulevard
How does the blood donation process work?
Making the appointment is easy. You can go to the Red Cross's website here. In the section that says ZIP or sponsor code, type "WMAZ" and then click "find a drive."
Want to make blood donations a regular routine? You can also download the Red Cross' app here.
On the day of the appointment, you need to bring some form of identification. If you have a blood donor card, please bring it. You can also bring your driver's license instead.
If you don't have either of those, you can bring two other forms of identification.
Once you're done, your donation will go towards saving lives and playing a crucial role in helping keep Central Georgia healthy.
Who's eligible for giving blood?
There's a few important eligibility requirements. You must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.
If you're under 17, you are unfortunately not allowed to donate blood. Plus, if you're in high school and 18 years old, you have to meet certain height and weight requirements too.
But still, that leaves so many other people eligible to step up to the plate for our community. With your help this summer, we can help medical professionals better care for their patients through the simple act of donating blood.