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Appalachian State University Remains Largest Single-Day Blood Drive in the Carolinas

Appalachian State University students and participants get an A-plus for helping to successfully collect 1,315 blood donations yesterday in their quest to help save lives. The impressive showing solidified the blood drive’s standing as the Carolinas Blood Services Region’s largest, single-day blood drive.redcross

“We would never be able to host such a successful drive without the incredible support of the Appalachian community,” said Thomas Evans, assistant director of community service for Appalachian and the Community Together. “We believe in tradition and the value of giving where and when you can, and our students have demonstrated once again that their actions speak louder than their words.”

App State is among several North Carolina colleges and universities that collect hundreds of pints of lifesaving blood with the American Red Cross and holds the record for the largest, single-day blood drive in the Carolinas Blood Services Region. Since its inception in 2007, the annual Homecoming blood drive has resulted in the collection of more than 10,000 pints. One blood donation can help save up to three lives.

“Year after year, the App State community steps up to the call for blood donations which goes toward helping to save lives locally as well as nationally,” said Ryan Corcoran, donor recruitment director for the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “We are grateful for the continued and growing support of those who respond to the constant need for blood donations.”

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood. The Red Cross encourages people who are in good health to donate so that hospital patients have the blood and platelets they need to make a full recovery. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must be replenished constantly – there is no substitute.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in Arkansas), 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.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.