The University of Georgia Alumni Association and the University of South Carolina’s My Carolina Alumni Association are teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a “Border Bash” blood drive in honor of Aimee Copeland.

24-year-old Aimee Copeland is a UGA alum and graduate student at the University of West Georgia.  She is hospitalized in Augusta after contracting a rare flesh decaying infection in May.  Aimee’s father, Andy, is a University of South Carolina alumnus. 

The University of Georgia blood drive will be held Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at Memorial Hall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Reed Hall from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The drive is sponsored by the UGA Alumni Association, Students for the American Red Cross and the Department of University Housing.  Presenting donors will have an opportunity to sign a card for Aimee and the Red Cross will mail it to her family.

In addition, the University of Georgia Alumni Association challenges all alumni nationwide to donate blood in Aimee’s honor June 11–15 at any Red Cross blood donation center or blood drive.  Post a picture or send your well wishes to Aimee on Facebook or Twitter and use hash tag #ugaforaimee or #uscforaimee.

“This is a great opportunity for UGA alumni and anyone who wants to honor Aimee, to help save lives,” said Randy Edwards, chief executive officer, American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region.  “Giving the gift of life is a priceless gift, and it’s a special way to honor this courageous young woman.”

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood.  The American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in more than 120 hospitals.  Approximately 1,200 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demand.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and platelets can be donated every seven days or up to 24 times a year.  Most healthy people age 17 and older- or 16 with parental consent - who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood and platelets.  Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.