BLOOD DRIVE SET FRIDAY AT JACKSON

JACKSON -- Southeast Missouri Hospital's Jackson Outreach Services will sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive Friday.

The blood drive will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Community Room at Main Street Fitness center, 410 W. Main, in Jackson.

The drive is dedicated to David Murphy, a Jackson resident who was diagnosed with leukemia in April of 1997. After a year of remission, Murphy's leukemia has relapsed. He is currently undergoing treatment at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, where he required many units of blood for his treatment.

Of particular need at this time, say American Red Cross officials, is Type O blood.

Individuals who participate in the blood drive Friday are also invited to stay for a pre-Labor Day picnic of hotdogs, chips and a beverage.

Statistics show that four million Americans will need a blood transfusion this year. That mean that more than 40,000 units of blood are needed every day to meet this need.

Because blood donations are processed into a variety of blood components, each donation can save the life of as many as four people -- individuals with leukemia, cancer, anemia, severe burns, hemophilia and those undergoing surgery for injury or illness.