Give it a try...donate blood

By ANNA LEE JAMES

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian Tuesday, November 9, 1-6pm at the Adrian Optimist Building. All donors are needed and greatly appreciated by those in need.

Medical professionals are available at each bloodmobile to discuss details of each donors history, confidentially, prior to blood donation. Some donor eligibility rules are specified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for every blood bank in the country. Other rules are determined by the particular blood bank and may differ between Red Cross and non-Red Cross bloodmobiles. Donor eligibility guidelines are intended to protect the health and safety of both the donor, as well as the patient, who receives the transfusion. Many people believe they cannot donate when they can. Stop by and give it a try. Easy as 1, 2, 3.

Show a photo ID, read materials and answer a list of healthy history 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 10 minutes. After your donation you will be offered refreshments to help your body begin replacing the blood you donated. How about giving it a try.