Courtesy Iola-Scandinavia Chamber

Here’s an easy New Year’s resolution to make and keep. Donate blood. Iola Lions and the American Red Cross are hosting a Blood Drive on Wednesday, Jan. 13, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Iola-Scandinavia Community Fitness & Aquatic Center in Iola.

Right now, people have a lot of questions about vaccines. Fellow Blood Drive Coordinator Louise Alsteen said, “If you have had a flu, tetanus, pneumonia, Tdap, or meningitis vaccine but are fever-free and feeling well on Jan. 13, you can donate. If you have had the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, and are feeling well on Jan. 13, you can donate (but bring the card or printout you received showing which COVID-19 vaccine you got with you).”

All donations are tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Results are available in 1-2 weeks via your donor account at RedCrossBlood.org or the Blood Donor App.

To make an appointment or to learn more, go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Completing the RapidPass online health history at www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass on Jan. 13 is encouraged to help speed up the donation process; keep the results on your smartphone o4 email it to yourself or bring a printout to show that you have completed this step.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are needed at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. To help ensure a successful donation experience, please drink an extra 16 ounces of water (avoid excess caffeine) in the hours before donating.