February 21, 2008

EVANS, Ga.---The Columbia County Emergency Management Agency and the Roads and Bridges Department are hosting a two-day blood drive in coordination with Shepeard Blood Center for the victims of the plant explosion at the Dixie Crystals plant near Savannah.

In a news release, Emergency Services Director Pam Tucker said, "The need for blood will continue for weeks and months...and this drive is being held to help keep the blood supplies on the shelf for the numerous surgeries that will be needed over a long period of time. This will also assure an adequate blood supply is in place for patients in all of our local hospitals."

March 19th - Evans Government Center
Inside the Auditorium of Building “A”
10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

March 20th - Roads & Bridges Department in Appling
10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Each donor will get a Chick-fil-A Box Lunch and a blood donor t-shirt.

There will also be a poster for donors to sign their name and write words of encouragement to the victims and their families that will be delivered to the burn center following the blood drive.

Requirements to Donate Blood:

* Weigh at least 110 pounds
* Be at least 17 years old – (16 year olds can now donate with parental consent)
* Be relatively healthy
* Provide a photo ID
* Have not donated blood in the past 56 days - (8 weeks)

For more information email: Pam Tucker at ptucker@columbiacountyga.gov or call the Emergency Services office at (706) 868-3303.