The University of Alabama at Birmingham and the American Red Cross are holding a major blood drive in February. The drive runs from Feb. 24-March 3 at UAB Hospital and UAB Highlands.
There is a critical need for blood products, and all blood types are urgently needed. Donors can reserve an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org; sponsor code is UABNP. Donors will need a photo ID.
UAB North Pavilion, 18th Street and Sixth Avenue South
- Monday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 28, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
UAB Highlands, 1201 11th Ave. South
- Monday, March 2, 1:30-6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 3, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
UAB is one of the largest users nationally of blood supplied by the Red Cross. Donors can give blood up to six times a year, every eight weeks. The process takes about 45 minutes; the actual blood collection usually takes less than 20 minutes.
Blood products are used during surgery, transplantation, trauma care, difficult pregnancies and cancer treatment. It is not unheard-of for a single patient to require as many as 100 units.