By Iola Lions

Iola Lions and American Red Cross will co-sponsor a Blood Drive on Wednesday, April 3, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Iola-Scandinavia Fitness and Aquatic Center.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, which is about 29,000 units of red blood cells needed every day in the U.S. to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed. All blood types are needed.

Spring into action and give patients a fighting chance. Schedule an appointment to give blood April 3 at the Iola Community Blood Drive 3 by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or online at www.redcrossblood.org.

If the good volunteer vibe you get from donating isn’t enough, please note that we will have fresh baked goods, fruit, and sandwiches for after your donation. As always, water and juice will be provided.

If you want to save time after registering, but before you show up on that afternoon, complete and print a RapidPass online health history questionnaire on your computer or complete it on a smartphone before you come; the site is redcrossblood.org/rapidpass. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger have to meet certain height and weight requirements and need parental permission to donate.