Red Cross Responds to Ft. Hood and Sets Local Blood Drive

Oklahoma City, OK-The American Red Cross responds to the community affected by the terrible tragedy Thursday by sending more than 150 units of blood and blood products to Scott and White Hospital (S&W) and Darnall Army Medical Center in Ft. Hood to help treat the wounded. Red cells, platelets, FFP and cryo were also distributed.

"What happened at Ft. Hood was devastating. It is times like these that remind us, as a country, to band together to provide for each other. Giving blood is a great way to help prepare our country for the unexpected and give back where you can," said Vince Hernandez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma.

Because of the public's generous donations over previous months, the American Red Cross was able to respond to this terrible tragedy by supplying blood. To ensure other tragedies across our country receive the same timely response of quality blood and blood products, a blood drive has been set up at the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma located at 601 NE 6^th Street Sunday, Nov. 8^th from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. for anyone local wishing to help.

For more information about scheduling a blood drive, please call 405-317-1931.

How to Donate Blood:

Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit bloodisneeded.org to make an appointment today. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old. New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit bloodisneeded.org to learn more.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.okc.redcross.org or follow us on twitter at redcrossokc.

The American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma is a proud United Way partner agency.