Carter Blood drive at Italy High School

Image: Renee Finley — Renee Finley, long time citizen of Italy, is proudly donating her blood to a good cause.

Renee Finley — Renee Finley, long time citizen of Italy, is proudly donating her blood to a good cause. (Cindy Sutherland)

Carter Blood Care is hosting a blood drive for the community of Italy at the Italy High School. It is today, Thursday, October 30th from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ozzie Barron, with the Carter Blood Drive explained “The goal today is 30 units of blood and 10 double red cells. This is the first time in the old Italy gym, last year they were in the Dome. Their last drive they collected about 30 units of blood.”

Julian Palmer supervisor over strictly the red blood cells said, “We are getting off to a slow start but it is picking up. Please feel free to come out, you don’t need an appointment, we will see you as quick as we can. There is always a real big need for more blood. Almost as soon as we get it on the shelves, it is out the door.”

Tonya Ferreior is the recruiter/counselor and works with Miss Garza to schedule the blood drives here. “Every donation can help to save at least three lives. The blood donated does stay here in about 54 counties, it doesn’t go to other states unless, we have enough to take care of our own needs and then we will give to others. During the hurricanes we were able to ship out some blood because we had enough to meet our own community’s need first. We also help the military if we have enough for our need, then we ship out the extra,” explained Tonya.

So come on out today and help the people in our community.