VALDOSTA – American Red Cross held the South Georgia Centennial Celebration blood drive Wednesday at Mathis Auditorium, recognizing the 100th anniversary of American Red Cross.

At the blood drive, American Red Cross looked to the community to provide blood in the critical summer months, said Carrie Terry, South Georgia American Red Cross account manager. 

“Right now, we’re in the summertime, which is considered our critical time of the year,” Terry said. “The schools are out, colleges and high school, and that’s where we get 20 percent of our blood supply. So when they’re not in school, we rely on the community, businesses and things like that to help us get through the summertime.” 

Terry said summer is a critical time due to an increased number of accidents. 

“One donation can save up to three people’s lives,” Terry said. 

At the Centennial Blood Drive, whole blood donations of one pint, a process that takes about 15 minutes, and Power Red donations, a double unit donation that takes about 40 minutes, were accepted, Terry said. 

According to redcrossblood.org, Power Red donation uses a machine to collect red cells while returning most plasma and platelets, along with saline, to the donor. For Power Red donation, the donor must have type A negative, B negative or O blood. 

American Red Cross is always in need of O negative blood donations, Terry said. 

Potential blood donors must have a picture ID and can register for an appointment at redcrossblood.org, or walk-ins are also welcome, Terry said. Health screening is done at the blood drive to determine eligibility. 

At the Centennial Blood Drive, free T-shirts were provided to all who attempted to donate, regardless if they were able to or not following the health screening, Terry said. 

Donors were also entered into a raffle, and Big Nick’s provided food. 

Kimberly Cannon is an Intern Reporter with The Valdosta Daily Times. Her extension is 1376.