Red Cross blood drive to be held Feb. 20

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the K.A. Brett Elementary School in Tamworth.All blood types are needed at this time.Winter weather conditions often affect blood drive attendance and, ultimately, blood inventories at local hospitals. According to Scott Chisholm, account executive for the Red Cross, Each and every blood drive scheduled during the winter months needs to meet or exceed its target for collected pints. The goals set for these drives are not just numbers. They are based on projected patient need. We must ensure that blood is readily available for patients whenever and wherever it is needed. It is the blood on the shelves, ready and waiting, that saves lives.Every day, blood is needed in hospitals and emergency rooms for patients with cancer and other diseases, or organ transplants and to save the lives of accident victims. A single unit of blood that one person donates could help up to three different individuals.Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health on the day of donation.To find out more about giving blood, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or log on at www.newenglandblood.org.