Roll up a sleeve

The average American has about 10 pints of blood flowing through his or her body. Can you spare a pint?

Cold, wintry weather often has a chilling effect on blood donations, and the American Red Cross is reminding the public that blood donations are much needed. Giving blood does not take long. In a process that typically takes an hour and 15 minutes, less than 10-12 minutes are spent actually giving blood. The rest of the time is spent with registration, medical history, a mini-physical and refreshments.

Four blood drives are scheduled in Rowan County this week alone. Roll up a sleeve and share the gift of life.