Help others by donating blood Nov. 14

Press release

’Tis the season for helping others! Donating blood is an incredible way to help those in need, and with the holiday season fast approaching, what better way is there to help those in need than with the gift of blood donation? According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. While blood donations are needed all year long, unfortunately, demand for blood during the holidays coincides with lower availability of donors due to vacations and holiday activities, seasonal illness, school breaks, and severe weather.

So, this holiday season start a new family tradition of giving the ultimate gift of lifesaving blood. Spend this holiday season knowing that your new tradition may help patients feel well enough to enjoy their own traditions with their families. 

Donors with all blood types are needed. But those donors with type-O blood are especially needed right now. Remember, blood is a perishable product that can only come from blood donors like yourself.  So please, come roll up your sleeve and give the gift of life Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, from noon till 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds Community Commercial Building, 300 Cleveland Rd., in Chinook. 

Any healthy person aged 18 or older and weighing at least 110 pounds is eligible and encouraged to donate blood. Those 16 or 17 years of age are eligible to donate with a signed parental consent. Parental consents can be picked up at the Chinook High School office or at the registration table at the commercial building down at the fairgrounds the day of the drive. Valid identification is required for all blood donations. Your donor card, driver’s license or school ID card are acceptable forms or identification.

Appointments are highly encouraged by the Red Cross. If you have not made an appointment to donate, you can go online at https://redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 (1800REDCROSS). Walk in donors are always welcome. There will be walk-in availability throughout the day along with the scheduled appointments.

Before donating, it is recommended you get a good night’s sleep, have a good breakfast and/or lunch and drink extra fluid to replace the volume you will donate. Try to avoid beverages with caffeine and fatty foods.

After your donation, to replenish your fluids and strength, you can enjoy homemade sandwiches and baked goods at the canteen thanks to the lovely members of the Presbyterian and Alliance church.