Blood for Patients, Supplies for Veterans: Baldwin EMC Power of Giving Drive Returns Nov. 5

SUMMERDALE, Ala. — Baldwin County residents will have two ways to give back on Thursday, Nov. 5, when Baldwin EMC hosts its 21st annual Power of Giving drive, collecting blood donations for local patients and supplies for veterans at the cooperative’s Summerdale headquarters.

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will collect blood from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Baldwin EMC’s Training Center, while the cooperative gathers donated supplies for the William F. Green Veterans Home in Bay Minette. Baldwin EMC is located at 19600 State Highway 59 in Summerdale.

Two causes, one day

The Power of Giving Blood and Veterans Supply drive combines two community efforts into a single event. Residents can donate blood, drop off supplies for veterans or do both.

“Power of Giving is an opportunity for our community to make a meaningful impact right here at home,” said Mark Ingram, Baldwin EMC’s vice president of corporate services and public relations. “Whether you donate blood, contribute supplies for our veterans, or participate in both efforts, your generosity can help save lives and support those who have served our country.”

This year marks the 21st time the cooperative has held the drive, making it a long-running fixture on Baldwin County’s fall calendar. Its timing, less than a week before Veterans Day on Nov. 11, fits its focus on honoring those who served.

Who can donate blood

According to Baldwin EMC, blood donors must:

• Be in good health
• Be at least 17 years old
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Present a valid photo ID

Anyone with questions about whether they are eligible to give, such as questions about medications, recent travel, illness or a previous donation, should contact LifeSouth before the drive.

Why blood donations matter

Donated blood cannot be manufactured, and the supply must be constantly replenished because blood components have a limited shelf life. Hospitals rely on volunteer donors to have blood on hand for surgery patients, accident and trauma victims, cancer patients, new mothers and people with chronic illnesses that require regular transfusions.

LifeSouth is a nonprofit community blood bank that supplies hospitals in the region, so blood collected at drives like this one helps patients in local communities. The fall and winter holiday season can be a challenging time for blood banks, as schedules fill up and fewer people make time to donate.

What to expect at the drive

A whole blood donation follows a routine series of steps. Donors register and show identification, then answer a confidential questionnaire about their health history and recent travel. A brief mini-physical follows, typically including checks of temperature, blood pressure, pulse and iron level. The donation itself usually takes about 10 minutes, though the full visit, from check-in through the rest period, generally takes longer.

After donating, donors are asked to rest for a few minutes and have a drink and a snack before leaving. Blood centers commonly advise donors to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the rest of the day and to keep drinking fluids. Healthy donors can usually give whole blood again after about eight weeks.

Each donation is tested and separated into components, such as red blood cells, plasma and platelets, which can go to different patients depending on their needs.

Tips for first-time donors

• Eat a healthy meal before donating and drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your donation.
• Bring your photo ID. It is required.
• Plan for some extra time. Donating includes a short health screening before the donation itself and a brief rest with a snack afterward.
• Ask questions. Blood center staff can explain the process and answer concerns about eligibility.

Supplies for the William F. Green Veterans Home

All supplies collected during the drive will go to the William F. Green Veterans Home in Bay Minette, the county seat of Baldwin County. The home is one of Alabama’s state veterans homes, providing long-term care for veterans.

The donation continues Baldwin EMC’s tradition of recognizing and supporting those who have served in the military. Residents who plan to bring supplies may want to contact Baldwin EMC in advance for guidance on which items are most needed.

About Baldwin EMC

Baldwin EMC is a member-owned electric cooperative headquartered in Summerdale that provides electric service to members in Baldwin County and the surrounding area. Like other electric cooperatives, it is owned by the members it serves, and community programs such as the Power of Giving drive are part of its local outreach.

The cooperative encourages residents to take part by donating blood, contributing supplies for veterans or doing both, to help local patients and honor area veterans.

If you go

• What: 21st annual Power of Giving Blood and Veterans Supply drive
• When: Thursday, Nov. 5; blood donations accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Where: Baldwin EMC Training Center, 19600 State Highway 59, Summerdale
• Blood collection: LifeSouth Community Blood Centers
• Supplies benefit: William F. Green Veterans Home in Bay Minette
• Donor requirements: Good health, at least 17 years old, at least 110 pounds, valid photo ID
• Eligibility questions: Contact LifeSouth