Blood drive to be held Feb. 18 in memory of Shirley Reph

Country Inn and Suites, 1619 Interchange Road, Lehighton, will be hosting a Miller-Keystone blood drive from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

The blood drive is being held in memory of Palmerton resident Shirley Reph, who recently succumbed to cancer. Reph received multiple transfusions during the course of her care. "Our regional hospitals require over 450 units of blood every day to care for their patients, which include cancer patients, as well as premature infants, trauma victims and burn victims," explains Marie D'Amato, donor resources representative. "Therefore, it is vital that blood used today be replaced today, to ensure it is available for the next person in need." In order to donate blood, individuals must be 17 years of age or older, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be feeling healthy; they must not have donated in the past eight weeks. All donors must also provide valid identification; ID must have the donor's name printed on it, as well as a photo and/or signature. Walk-ins are welcome at this blood drive. For more information or to preregister for donation, call Cheryl Haas at (610) 703-5805.