By PEGGY KING

peggy.king@gaflnews.com

CORDELE — Donate blood here next week and have a chance to win your Thanksgiving turkey!

The American Red Cross bloodmobile will be making its monthly visit to Cordele Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Cordele Community Clubhouse.

Cordele Rotary Club is donating two turkeys to be given away that day, and everyone who donates a unit of blood will be eligible to win one.

Crisp County Red Cross volunteer Jack Windham says a goal of 100 donors has been set for the Tuesday event. The need for blood is especially critical during the holiday season, he adds, so everyone who is healthy and feeling well that day is encouraged to donate.

Teresa Guest, a Red Cross staff member says a new process has been implemented which allows donors to get in and out quicker. “We urge them to call 1-800-448-3543 (GIVELIF) and make an appointment for the Cordele drive.

“When they arrive at the appointed time, they will be moved to the front of the line. We are trying to make the process more donor-friendly,” Ms. Guest adds.

There is no substitute for blood, Ms. Guest explains. “We must collect it from volunteer donors. The need for blood is constant because blood only lasts 42 days on the shelf,” she adds.

To illustrate the need for blood, statistics show that every two seconds, someone in the U. S. needs a blood transfusion. One in 10 persons who enter the hospital needs blood.

One blood donation can save the lives of up to three people, Ms. Guest says, and a healthy person can donate every 56 days.

“Donating blood is safe, quick and easy,” Windham says. “All materials are used once and discarded.”

Even without an appointment, the entire process usually takes from 45 minutes to an hour. Potential donors are asked a number of health questions, and their blood is checked to be sure the hemoglobin is high enough for them to donate.

During the actual donation, there is slight discomfort which lasts a short time. Following the donation, donors are served juice and a snack, then they are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids for the next few days.