Chinook blood drive set for Nov. 10

By Carla Jenewein, blood drive coordinator

The Chinook community will be hosting a community blood drive with the American Red Cross Tuesday, Nov. 10, from noon to 6 p.m at Wallner Hall, 330 Ohio in Chinook.

Appointments are highly encouraged by the American Red Cross. So, if you have not made an appointment to donate, you can go on-line at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-REDCROSS). However, 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 (Red Cross ID card, driver’s license or school ID are acceptable).

Parental consents for people 16 or 17 years of age can be picked up at the high school office any time before the drive, as well as at the registration table at Wallner Hall the day of the drive.

People can pre-register for an appointment by completing RapidPass. This may reduce the time donors spend at the blood drive by up to 15 minutes. Red Cross staff will scan the RapidPass form, review the donor’s answers and complete all other aspects of the health history exam. To complete a RapidPass, follow the instructions at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.

Masks are required and temperature and hand sanitizing will take place at the front door. You may use your own mask or, if you do not have one, masks will be available for you.

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

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.

We urge our community members, surrounding community members and neighbors to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.

We look forward to seeing you at Wallner Hall Tuesday, Nov. 10.