Healthy individuals are needed every day to maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need. Once a donor has made the commitment to give blood, it is important to take a few simple steps to prepare and to help ensure a good donation experience. The American Red Cross recommends getting a good night’s sleep, eating a good breakfast or lunch, drinking extra water and fluids to help replace the volume you will donate, avoiding caffeinated beverages and eating iron-rich foods to boost your iron level. Donating blood is an easy way to help others and only takes about an hour of your time. The Red Cross encourages donors to give blood each time they are eligible; which is every 56 days for whole blood donations and 112 days for double red cell donations. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian on Wednesday, November 8, from 2:00 to 7:00 pm at the Adrian High School.
Volunteers will soon be calling past donors to remind them of the upcoming bloodmobile and also to schedule appointments. Appointments can also be made by calling Alan or Cindy Cox at 483-2218 or evenings 360-0537. Walk-ins are also welcome during the bloodmobile. We will again have two double red cell machines available at the blood drive, height and weight requirements for this type of donation have changed so that more donors are eligible to donate two units of red cells. It is important for blood donors to start adding iron rich foods to their diet before donating blood so that they are not deferred due to a low hemoglobin level. For example, eating red meat, poultry, and iron-fortified cereals will increase your hemoglobin level.
Again, I would like to encourage everyone to stop at the bloodmobile on November 8th. Anyone who is at least 17 years of age (16 with a signed parental consent form), weighs a minimum of 110 pounds, and is in good health is eligible to donate. First time donors are always welcome!
The Red Cross will also be at the Lismore Legion on Tuesday, November 7th from 1;00 PM to 7:00 PM.
