Toccoa to host blood drive

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the American Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and others.

Northeast Georgia Chapter spokesman Kristin Stancil says this is a good month to get blood donation on your schedule.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1.7 million new cases of cancer are expected in the U.S. this year.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with nearly 253,000 women expected to be diagnosed in 2017.

Cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.

Stancil said blood platelets are also always needed; especially for cancer patients who need the platlets after chemotherapy.

There are two upcoming Red Cross blood drives coming up this month in Toccoa.

The first is this Thursday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church on Collier Road.

Another takes place Monday, October 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Toccoa Elementary on Pond St.

All blood types are needed, especially O Negative.

Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

To get more information on how and where to donate blood, you can go online to RedCrossblood.org.