Blood drive set in Chinook Tuesday

Press release

A Red Cross Blood Drive in Chinook is set for Tuesday, May 12, at Wallner Hall, 337 Ohio Street, from 12:30-6 p.m.

Following is a message from the American Red Cross:

“The American Red Cross is so grateful for partners that continue to stand with us throughout the coronavirus pandemic.  While we have been able to meet immediate patient needs, your upcoming drive is essential to ensure a stable blood supply in the weeks to come.

“Donating blood products is essential to community health and the need for blood products is constant. As part of our nation’s critical infrastructure, healthy individuals can still donate in areas that have issued shelter in place declarations. The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need.

There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus and the Red Cross needs the help of blood and platelet donors and blood drive hosts to maintain a sufficient blood supply for weeks to come.  In times of crisis, the Red Cross is fortunate to witness the best of humanity as people roll up a sleeve to help those in need. We greatly appreciate the generosity of the public to keep hospital shelves stocked during this uncertain time.”

The American Red Cross is urging donors who are feeling healthy and well to give now to maintain the blood supply for patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions. The American Red Cross is now, more than ever, highly recommending that donors make an appointment. However, walk-ins will not be turned away. People can schedule an appointment online at http://www.redcrossblood.org.

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. Red Cross ID card, driver’s license or school ID are acceptable.

Parental consents for those 16 or 17 years of age can be picked up at the high school if school is in session. Or you may pick one up the day of the drive at Wallner Hall.

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

People who know someone who has never donated before are asked to please encourage them to make an appointment or walk in with them.

The American Red Cross has requested the following information be passed along to the donors:  

1. The Red Cross is not allowing visitors in with donors unless that visitor is also donating. 

2. The Red Cross will be taking temperatures of all donors before they are allowed into the blood drive area. 

3. Masks will be required at all times when inside the donating area. People who have their own mask can wear it.  A mask will be provided for people who don’t have a mask.

4. Social distancing must be maintained at all times.

Homemade goodies are still allowed as long as they are individually wrapped. So, our canteen will go on as usual.

Please be sure to be well hydrated as adequate hydration will make the process move along a bit faster and will also replace the volume you will lose giving blood.

Organizers said they are looking forward to seeing people Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the blood drive rolling up a sleeve to help save lives.