Last month we gave you a heads up that the Tuscaloosa branch of the NAACP would be hosting a blood drive in April. The blood drive is in partnership with the American Red Cross. It will take place on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at the McDonald Hughes Community Center. It all kicks off at 9 am.

You can help someone just by donating blood. According to the American Red Cross, “every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer.”

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I know first-hand that blood donations are vital because of my father. What I found out during his journey is that there is no substitute for blood. That is why the work of community organizations and outlets like the American Red Cross is important to all Alabamians. My family also found out through American Red Cross that “every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.”

Interested in donating blood but don’t know if you are eligible? Before you head a blood donation drive, it’s always a good idea to check if you qualify. Click here for more information on the requirements. For Whole Blood Donation, the American Red Cross requires the following:

Donation frequency: Every 56 days*

You must be in good health and feeling well**

You must be at least 16 years old in most states

You must weigh at least 110 lbs

(Source) Click here for more from the American Red Cross. Click here for more information about the Tuscaloosa Branch of the NAACP’s blood drive.

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