Donate blood, get ice cream in Greencastle

Greencastle is one of the blood donor sites next week where the American Red Cross will celebrate the Fourth of July and National ice Cream Month.

From noon to 6 p.m. a blood drive will be held at First Assembly of God Church Social Hall, 525 E. Leitersburg St. By donating blood or platelets the American Red Cross will give all presenting blood and platelet donors a $2 coupon for a free ice cream treat, while supplies last.

“Far away from picnics, fireworks, concerts and parades, seriously ill and critically injured patients continue to receive blood. These needs continue day and night, every day of the year,” commented Lisa Hart, Senior Director, Donor Recruitment, Greater Alleghenies Region, Red Cross Blood Services.

“When you donate blood, you celebrate life by doing what you can to help obtain a happy outcome for patients and their families. For those who take time from their holiday celebrations to donate blood, we want to provide a special sweet treat to kickoff National Ice Cream Month.”

Hart added that the average donor in the 100-county Greater Alleghenies Region donates less than twice a year, although many individuals can donate every 56 days. “Donors of all blood types are needed daily, and supplies of Type O negative blood are critically low at this time,” she said.

In addition, all presenting blood and platelet donors age 18 or older during June, July and August are entered in that month’s drawing for a dream $5,000 vacation package of their choice. For additional information, visit redcrossblood.org/greateralleghenies.

Several other blood drives are scheduled during the holiday period as follows:

Saturday, July 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Washington County Chapter, American Red Cross, 1131 Conrad Court, Hagerstown, Md.

Monday, July 5, 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., Washington County Chapter, American Red Cross, 1131 Conrad Court, Hagerstown, Md.

Monday, July 5, 1 to 7 p.m., Elks Lodge, 11063 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, Md.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

For donor appointment where available, call (800) RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org

Those with specific eligibility questions should call the Red Cross Donor Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276.  Many donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days.

Platelet donations must be scheduled in advance. For appointments call (800) 542-5663, x2633, x2637 or x2657.

Individuals may also follow the Red Cross on Twitter: www.twitter.com/redcrossGAR

The Greater Alleghenies Region directly serves hospitals, patients and donors in a 100-county area in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, with more than five-dozen blood products and related services, and also supports blood needs experienced by patients elsewhere in hospitals served through Red Cross Blood Services.