Hayward Cochran Jr., an upstanding member of the Stephens county community, will be memorialized this coming Saturday, Feb. 20, with a blood drive held at Wilbanks Middle School. Cochran spent his life serving his community, and his family and LifeSouth Community Blood Center hope Northeast Georgians will come together to honor his memory by serving their community with something it desperately needs– blood.
“Mr. Cochran was an active member of the Stephens County Community and lived his life giving back to others,” says Chandler Holmes, LifeSouth’s Community Development Coordinator. “It only makes sense to honor him by hosting a community-wide blood drive.”
Cochran lost his life in an auto accident last February, leaving behind a community of friends he made a lasting impact on. In their time of need, giving blood in his honor may save a life.
“Blood donors are needed every day to make sure blood is available to help patients in local hospitals. The need for blood never stops,” Holmes says. “Due to COVID-19 and now Winter Storm Uri, the local and national blood supply continues to be dangerously low. LifeSouth is partnering with local communities in hopes to encourage regular and first-time donors to give blood as soon as possible.”
LifeSouth will offer free COVID-19 antibody testing, wellness screening, and cholesterol screening to all blood donors.
LifeSouth’s blood donations serve Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta Medical Center, North Fulton Regional Hospital, Spalding Medical Center, Sylvan Grove Hospital and Habersham Medical Center.
North Georgia Technical College will also host a blood and plasma drive with The Blood Connection, a blood center based in South Carolina that serves the Carolinas and Stephens County Hospital. This drive will take place Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 9 am to 1 pm at the Clarkesville campus Industrial Technology Center.
The blood drive in honor of Hayward Cochran Jr. will take place between 10 am and 4 pm. Those who wish to donate blood at either event should weigh at least 110 pounds, 17 years or older, and be in good health. Before donating blood, donors should eat a healthy meal and be well-hydrated.
