Donating blood is easy as 1-2-3

By ANNA LEE JAMES

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian Tuesday, September 7 from 1:00pm-6:00pm at the Optimist Building. Our goal of 50 units of blood has not been met in a long time. Surely a community of our size could meet that goal if only every eligible donor would make an effort to drop by and donate a unit of life-saving blood. We cannot wait until the day someone needs blood to donate, as there are so many tests that blood goes through before it is passed on to hospitals for use. All this is for the safety of those in need.

Donating blood is easy as 1-2-3. Show up with a photo ID or donor card, read materials and answer a list of health questions. You will receive a mini health exam including checks for: temperature, pulse, hemoglobin (iron content) and blood pressure. Your answers to the health history questions will then be reviewed by a staff member, and upon meeting all the criteria, you may proceed with the blood donation process.

A Red Cross staff member will cleanse your arm and prepare you for the donation process. Most donations take about six to 10 minutes. After your donation, you will be offered refreshments to help your body begin replacing the blood you donated. We ask you to sit at the refreshment table at least 10 minutes if possible to make sure all is well.

Besides the Red Cross staff, that are very friendly, there are six to seven local volunteer ladies ready to answer questions and visit with you. We like for your donation to be a good experience and see that it is not something terrible to do. Mark that calendar for Tuesday, September 7 from 1:00pm-6:00pm.