Unlike other medical treatments that can be produced in a laboratory, blood can only come from volunteer blood donors and must be constantly replenished due to its short shelf life. One in seven patients entering the hospital will need a blood transfusion — whether they are accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, or those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. To meet the needs of these patients, the Red Cross must collect approximately 12,500 blood and nearly 3,000 platelet donations every day. To help prevent blood shortages, the Red Cross encourages those who are eligible to commit to donating on a regular basis. Patients are counting on the kindness and generosity of blood donors. You are invited to roll up a sleeve on Wednesday, June 28th, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Dorothy L. Rainey Fellowship Hall, to help ensure people receive the care they need. Make an appointment to give blood today. Make an appointment online by clicking on BLOOD DRIVE ONLINE REGISTRATION; Make an appointment by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767); Contact Tracy Brinker by e-mail at tbrinker@duluthumc.org, or by calling 770-476 3776, ext. 112. Last, but not least, as a “walk-in” on Blood Drive Day.