Once again, winter weather is predicted across the Blood Assurance service region for Thursday.
Blood Assurance is asking the community to take a proactive approach to the impending icy conditions by donating blood prior to the arrival of the predicted snowfall. Because of last week’s inclement weather, Blood Assurance saw a decrease of 42% in donations across the region. “We need to maximize our blood collections before the projected snow arrives. We need blood donors to come in strong on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in order to have our blood inventory levels high enough to support the decrease we will experience if it snows,” said Charlie Callari, vice president of Marketing and Donor Recruitment for Blood Assurance.
“It is easier to have the blood on hand and ready for the hospitals’ needs than to need donors to come out in unsafe road conditions.”
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. The process usually takes about 30 minutes and includes a complimentary snack and t-shirt. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids - avoiding caffeine - and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating. "Your one donation can save three lives." officials said.
For up-to-date information about Blood Assurance locations, hours and blood drives, call 1-800-962-0628 or go to
www.BloodAssurance.org or
facebook.com/bloodassurance.