Newton Citizen

CONYERS -- March has been designated American Red Cross Month, and the association is looking recognize "Everyday Heroes," those who give blood and save lives, during the month.

According to Mario Sedlock, interim CEO of the Southern Blood Services Region of the Red Cross, anyone can become an "Everyday Hero" by giving blood or platelets, becoming a volunteer, making a financial donation or taking a class.

March was designated Red Cross Month in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since that time, every president, including President Barack Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month.

In addition to collecting and distributing about 40 percent of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in the U.S., providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. The organization also offers 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world. The Red Cross trains more than 7 million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year.

For more information on blood drives go to the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org. Blood drives in this area scheduled in March include:

March 18

1:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Salem United Methodist Church

3962 Salem Road

Covington, GA 30016

Donation Types: Double red cells, blood

March 18

2 to 7 p.m.

Site: First United Methodist Church

400 South Broad St.

Monroe, GA 30655

Donation Types: Double red cells, blood

March 20

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pratt Industries

1975 Sarasota Pkwy.Conyers, GA 30013

Donation Types: Blood

March 22

3 to 7 p.m.

Walmart Supercenter 459

10300 Industrial Blvd.

Covington, GA 30014

Donation Types: Blood

March 28

2 to 7 p.m.

General Mills-Covington

Site: General Mills West Facility

15200 Industrial Park Blvd. N.E.

Covington, GA 30014

Donation Types: Double red cells, blood