Changes announced to Spring Into Action drive

Posted

SUMMERDALE, Alabama — Baldwin EMC’s Spring Into Action blood drive is still on for this Thursday, March 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Baldwin EMC’s headquarters, located at 19600 Alabama 59 in Summerdale. However, to comply with recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local officials, the co-op is making adjustments for Thursday’s event.

Specifically, the event will be held in the LifeSouth Community Blood Centers bloodmobile, which will be parked at the cooperative’s Summerdale location. This will be a change from the Baldwin EMC Training Center, where the blood drive is usually held.

“This was a hard decision to make, but ultimately, we had to make choices to uphold the safety of everyone and still help our community,” said Baldwin EMC Vice President of Corporate Services and Public Relations Mark Ingram. “Due to the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus), blood donations are needed now more than ever. We certainly did not want to cancel the event altogether, because we know the blood banks are facing a critical shortage. We hope those who are able to participate will donate.”

Each pint of blood has the potential to save as many as three lives, including accident victims, those fighting chronic illnesses and patients recovering from surgery.

Everyone at least 17 years old, 110 pounds and in generally good health is invited to donate blood. All blood types are needed and first-time donors are welcome. The pints they receive will benefit local medical centers, including Thomas Hospital, North Baldwin Infirmary, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital and Mobile Infirmary, among many others in Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Baldwin EMC is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 78,000 accounts in Baldwin and Monroe Counties in southwest Alabama, including Alabama’s Gulf Coast.