Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary joins Red Cross in push for emergency blood drive

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary became one of the first area mayors to broadcast a public service announcement for the American Red Cross this week.  The mayor joined American Red Cross Communications Manager Ronnika McFall at the Midtown Blood Center to encourage area residents to donate blood either at the city’s upcoming blood drive or by visiting a donation center.  The Stonecrest Blood Drive will be held at City Hall on July 30 from 1 to 6 p.m.

“We really want people to come out and support the Red Cross blood drive. It is critical that we all pitch in and do our part to save lives,” said Lary.

McFall said during her interview with the mayor that the Red Cross is in emergency need for blood donations with less than a three-day supply of blood.  McFall said the agency only has a two-day supply of Type O blood.  The shortage is nationwide.

The urgent call comes after a drop in blood and platelet donations over the Fourth of July holiday. Red Cross officials say about 450 fewer blood drives were organized by businesses and other community groups that week compared to a typical week, resulting in 17,000 fewer blood donations than needed for patients in a single week.

African Americans are especially encouraged to give because they are underrepresented as donors. Officials say with African American donors’ help, the Red Cross is able to provide  patients of the same racial background blood that is more genetically similar and a more likely match.

Donors who attend the city of Stonecrest’s upcoming blood drive should bring a valid photo ID. Donors are urged to drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in iron (green, leafy vegetables, beans, broccoli, tofu, eggs, beef, chicken) before donating.

People who are unable to participate in the Stonecrest blood drive may visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter their ZIP code to find a nearby donation center. Information on hosting a blood drive can be found at redcrossblood.org/hostadrive.

To view Mayor Lary’s PSA for the Red Cross, go to:

https://youtu.be/lU7aqmOpmg0.