Chinook blood drive set for March 5

A blood drive is set for next Tuesday in Chinook at Wallner Hall, 330 Ohio, from 12:30 to 6 p.m.

Appointments are highly encouraged by the American Red Cross. People who have not made an appointment to donate can go on-line at https://www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 — 1-800-REDCROSS. Walk-ins are always welcome. There will be walk-in availability throughout the day along with the scheduled appointments. 

Any healthy person age 18 — or age 16 or 17 with a signed parental consent — or older and weighing at least 110 pounds is eligible and encouraged to donate blood. Valid identification is required for all blood donations — driver’s license or school ID are acceptable.

Parental consents for people 16 or 17 can be picked up at the high school office or at the registration table at Wallner Hall the day of the drive.  

People with an appointment can save up to 15 minutes at the donation by completing the health history online the day of the drive. All they have to do is visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass/.

Before donating, it is recommended that people get a good night’s sleep; have a good breakfast or lunch; drink extra water and fluids to replace the volume the person will donate but try to avoid beverages with caffeine; eat iron-rich foods; and avoid fatty foods.

Organizers said they look forward to seeing people donating at Wallner Hall next Tuesday.