EVENTS POSTPONED MESSAGE from American Red Cross:

Greetings Nelson County friends and partners,

we are postponing both; the January 7, “Sickle Cell Disease – Why my blood matters” community education event and the January 20, 2024, Sickle Cell Blood Drive.

Your American Red Cross in partnership with the Nelson County Heritage Center leaders share a commitment to providing more Sickle Cell Disease community education events and are rescheduling the Nelson Heritage Center Sickle Cell Blood drive for later this spring. As new dates and other information is available, we will share it broadly across the community.

We are so very grateful to have wonderful Nelson County partners who host and sponsor regularly scheduled community blood drives; we encourage everyone who is able to please schedule an appointment to give blood at a drive near you today.

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.

Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals. “Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”

Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl. Local upcoming blood donation opportunities can be found by visiting: RedCrossBlood.org.

Nelson County Heritage Center and American Red Cross

Nelson Education Event January 7, 2024 – Postponed

Sickle Cell Blood Drive January 20, 2024 – Postponed

The Nelson County Heritage Center and your American Red Cross are partnering together to host two important community Sickle Cell events January 2024. In the United States, an estimated 100,000 people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds have sickle cell disease, with the majority being of African descent. Blood from people of the same race or similar ethnicity is important in ensuring the best transfusion results, with the least potential reaction.

Sunday, January 7, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – “Sickle Cell Disease – Why my blood matters” presented by Alexis Innis, American Red Cross, Central Virginia, Blood Donor Manager. Did you know Sickle cell disease affects 1 out of every 365 Black or African American births, or people with sickle cell disease may need as many as 100 units of blood each year? Learn how your blood donations could help alleviate the symptoms of someone living with sickle cell disease, or even help save their life.

Saturday, January 20, 2024, The Nelson Heritage Center and your American Red Cross present the Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend of celebration and service Sickle Cell – Blood Drive from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Are You Ready To Give Blood?  Your blood donation could be what patients with sickle cell disease need to treat their condition. Blood donation is essential in ensuring the health of our communities. Reserve your appointment at www.redcrossblood.org by using Sponsor Code: NHC Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

This event is open to all and everyone who attends will benefit from learning more about the impacts of Sickle Cell disease on those who live with the pain, and hope that the blood they need to ease that pain, is there, when they need it. Light afternoon snacks, sandwiches, fruit, vegetable tray, assorted sweets and beverages will be provided for attendees. Please RSVP to Alexis Innis . by no later than Friday, January 5, 2024, if you are able to join us.