CULLMAN, Ala. – Every summer, LifeSouth hosts a friendly blood drive “competition” between the City of Cullman and Cullman County. This year’s drive is different. Now called the “Cullman United Blood Drive,” this year’s event will take place Friday, June 5.
LifeSouth bloodmobiles will be stationed at four locations around Cullman from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.: the Cullman County Courthouse, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart on Olive Street and Wal-Mart on Alabama Highway 157.
Leanne West, from the office of Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, said, “They’re referring to it as the ‘Cullman United Blood Drive’ this year. City and County are banding together this year, instead of doing a City v. County blood drive like they normally do. So, they just have four locations that anyone can use.”
According to LifeSouth, a unit of blood has the potential to save up to three lives. Last year’s drive brought in 152 units (more than 450 lives) for local hospitals. All donations collected stay in the community.
Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker shared, “It’s (been) a competition between the City of Cullman and Cullman County that is beneficial to everyone. It’s a great thing because people are needing blood at a critical time such as we are in.”
“I urge everyone who is able to give blood to participate in this year’s city/county blood drive on June 5. Due to the coronavirus, blood donations are down, but the need for blood hasn’t changed. The City and County aren’t competing this year. Blood donations made during the city/county blood drive stay in Cullman County, so we’re working together this year to encourage people to donate blood in our community,” said Jacobs, echoing Walker.
Donors must be 16 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and show photo ID. Sixteen-year-olds require written parental permission.
For more information on donating blood, visit www.LifeSouth.org or call 1-888-795-2707.
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