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Flu season could further impact ongoing Red Cross blood shortage
red cross logo
Published: Nov 8, 2021, 1:35 PM

As the holidays approach and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns about a potential spike in flu cases this year, it’s important that those who are eligible, healthy and feeling well make an appointment to donate blood platelets The American Red Cross continues to address an ongoing emergency blood shortage, and donors are urged to give now to combat the lowest blood supply levels at this time of year in more than a decade.

According to the CDC, flu cases reached an all-time low last year due to masking, physical distancing and shutdowns across the country, and many Americans may have reduced immunity this year. When seasonal illness increases, the number of healthy blood donors tends to decrease. Paired with winter weather, busy holiday schedules and ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the already-struggling blood supply could be further impacted throughout winter.

There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free. Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To encourage donors to help meet the needs of hospital patients this month, all who come to donate Nov. 1-23 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.* Those who come to give around the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 24-28, will receive a pair of Red Cross socks, while supplies last.

Blood drive safety

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Fort Stewart

11/19/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fort Stewart Main Chapel, 10 Cavalry Way, Building 500

Savannah

11/16/2021: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Savannah Blood Donation Center, 25 Tibet Ave

11/17/2021: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Savannah Blood Donation Center, 25 Tibet Ave

11/18/2021: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Savannah Blood Donation Center, 25 Tibet Ave

11/19/2021: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Savannah Blood Donation Center, 25 Tibet Ave

11/20/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Savannah Blood Donation Center, 25 Tibet Ave

11/21/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Savannah Blood Donation Center, 25 Tibet Ave

11/22/2021: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Savannah Blood Donation Center, 25 Tibet Ave

11/23/2021: 12:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., Savannah Blood Donation Center, 25 Tibet Ave

Bloomingdale

11/18/2021: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Faulkville Baptist Church, 144 Zeigler Road




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Bond denied for Parker, Fowler
Parker bond hearing
Long County Commissioner Robert Parker sits in a Long County courtroom in front of a magistrate judge during a first appearance. His bond was denied.
Updated: Feb 28, 2025, 11:04 PM
Published: Feb 28, 2025, 10:19 PM

Former Long County Chairman and current commissioner Robert Parker made a first appearance Friday afternoon in a Long County courtroom.   

Bryan County Magistrate Judge Carolyn Shervette-Montgomery denied Parker bond upon request of the Long County Sheriff’s Office and state Assistant Attorney General, Prosecution Division, Micheal Tabarrok, due to Parker being a flight risk.

Parker’s attorney, Jason Clark of Brunswick, attempted to argue Paker was not a flight risk due to his being aware of the investigation for the past five months.

Parker is charged with three counts of theft by taking, one count of violation of oath of office, one count of aggravated assault, and a violation of the Georgia Racketeering Act (RICO). Fowler, a business owner who has done work for the county, is charged with two counts of theft by taking.

Parker and Tony Fowler were arrested Thursday and booked into Tattnall County Jail. Long County Sheriff Craig Nobles had requested the GBI investigate the county commission office several months ago.

“It was brought to my attention that were large amounts of money being paid out to some contractors. I requested the GBI come in and do an investigation,” Nobles said.

A shocking revelation came out during the hearing about Parker’s aggravated assault charge, which stems from Parker allegedly placing a gun into the mouth of a county employee.

Nobles said the investigation is not finished and did not know if any more arrests would be made.

“I have full confidence that all involved, if there is anyone else, will be held accountable,” he said. “But it doesn’t happen overnight. It didn’t get this way overnight. It’s not going to be solved overnight.”

Parker, who had been Ludowici police chief before stepping down in January 2024, represents District 5 on the Long County Board of Commissioners. He previously served as chairman of the commission.

“I’d like to thank the people of Long County for bearing with us through this burdensome time,” Sheriff Nobles said. “This investigation has taken a few weeks and I thank everyone for being patient with that.

“We are working together to bring the integrity back to the commissioners’ office as it should be so we can have confidence from the people in the county.”

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