By Alison McFerrin

The Selma Times-Journal

You can’t get blood from a stone, but representatives from the American Red Cross and the Selma YMCA hope they can get it an easier way — from volunteer donors at an upcoming blood drive.

“Donating blood by volunteers is the only way we can get blood, basically,” American Red Cross of Central Alabama’s account manager Ivy Pittman said.

Selma YMCA’s blood drive will be Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the lobby.

Pittman said donations during the summer are especially needed.

“A lot of people are going on vacations and traveling, and we just don’t have enough people donating,” Pittman said.

Devin King, who works at the YMCA and will be attending college in the fall, has been in charge of blood drive details at the Y, making phone calls and signing up volunteers.

“I know the need for blood is very important right now,” King said. “The YMCA is a place where I think a lot of different people come visit every day.”

King also has the opportunity to receive a scholarship for his help — but he’s not alone.

Each volunteer donor will automatically be entered into a regional drawing to win $3,000. The YMCA is also putting up its own incentives, offering two free memberships as well as other prizes to volunteer donors.

“Right now we’re actually on an appeal for O negative blood,” Pittman said. O negative is the universal donor, which means anyone can receive type O negative blood. This is especially useful for victims who need blood immediately but don’t know their blood type.

“Car accident victims can need up to 100 pints of blood,” Pittman said.

That’s why donations are so vital — from everyone who is able.

“As long as you’re 17 and older and you’re in good health, you should be able to give blood,” Pittman said.