Aitkin hospital to host Red Cross blood drive

Every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood. Your blood donation can help ensure trauma patients have blood during emergencies when every second counts.

Riverwood Healthcare Center will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Thurs., May 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fri., May 24, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The blood donation location is room C&D in the hospital in Aitkin.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate, sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org  using the 56431 zip code for Aitkin or call Riverwood at 218-927-5314. Get a $5 Amazon gift card when you give blood from May 1 to June 10.

“Hosting a blood drive is a way Riverwood can give back to the communities we serve, which aligns directly with our mission and core values,” said Todd Sandberg, Riverwood CEO. “With a simple blood donation, you have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be your coworker, a loved one or your neighbor. Please consider joining us later this month to make a difference in someone’s life by donating blood.”

Blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and trauma victims, according to the Red Cross.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone; it is often used to treat trauma patients.