EMILY-January is National Blood Donor Month.
The American Red Cross blood drive, sponsored by the Lakers Lions of Emily, Outing and Fifty Lakes, will be making its first of three visits to Emily from noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 16, and volunteers are needed.
Red Cross staff will be available to help make the blood drive run smoothly. Each year, the demand for blood increases by up to 8 percent, while annual blood donations only increase 2 to 3 percent. Currently, only 5 percent of eligible blood donors actually donate.
The blood supply is at a dangerous low point now, following the flu and now the winter weather-related drawbacks, resulting in blood donations being down. Winter weather throughout the Midwest has already caused cancellations of blood drives, impacting blood donations for the local American Red Cross.
Requirements to be a blood donor are to be at least 17 years old, to weigh 110 pounds or more and to be good health. Sixteen-year-olds are now allowed to donate, with a parent or guardian's signature on the Red Cross permission form. Diabetics are accepted, even when on insulin. Most other medications are accepted as long as the donor is healthy. For donors who have been on antibiotics, treatment must be completed and symptoms resolved.
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Red Cross is using the appointment program for donors. Walk-ins are welcome and will be given the next available appointment.
Fifty-six days between Regular Single Unit blood donations and 112 days between Double Red Cell Donors are required. Blood donors previously deferred may now be eligible for the Red Cross Reinstatement program. Previous deferred donors should call the Red Cross Reinstatement Center at 866-236-3276 for instructions. Bring a donor card or a driver's license, or two other forms of identification when donating.
To schedule an appointment or to volunteer to help at the blood drive, call Nancy Moritz at 218-763-3097 or Kathy Harvet at 218-792-5314.
