Blood drive Monday in Cathlamet

The American Red Cross Blood Services is urging blood donors to donate blood or platelets to strengthen blood inventories in order to be prepared to meet any additional blood needs over the final holiday weekend of the summer.

All eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate blood for the drive being held at the Hotel Cathlamet on Monday, August 26 from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.

According to Patti Phillips, American Red Cross coordinator, they had a very successful drive in June. The local unit exceeded their goal of 27 units of blood by collecting 33 units.

“We had seven first time donors which is the most we have had since I started coordinating,” said Phillips. “I am very proud of our donors and all those who volunteer to help with the drive,” she added.

The Pacific Northwest Region is offering a fun challenge to each sponsor in the local area. The drive that collects the highest percentage of their goal will be given an American Red Cross Sponsor of the month trophy to display all month long. They will also have an award for the highest percentage of first time donors and highest percentage of sign-ups prior to the drive.

Phillips said, “With how successful our drives have been, I believe Wahkiakum has a very good chance of taking home that trophy.”

Any healthy person age 18 (or age 16-17 with signed parental consent) or older and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Valid identification is required for all blood donations.