A voucher for a free haircut, a chance at a VIP NASCAR racing experience and an opportunity to help save lives? It can all be yours when you come in to give blood this September.
American Red Cross and Iola Lions are co-sponsoring a blood Drive on Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the at the Iola-Scandinavia Community Fitness and Aquatic Center. Please note the earlier start time.
The need is constant—according to Red Cross, “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day; the average red blood cell transfusion is approximately three pints”.
Masks are now optional for donors, however, feel free to wear one if you would like. Masks will be available on site for those who would like them.
If you have had a Covid-19 vaccination, please be prepared to tell Red Cross whether it was Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson.
Please reserve your donation spot ahead of time; due to Covid-19 and staffing, walk-ins might not be accommodated. To make an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To help ensure a successful donation experience, please drink an extra 16 ounces of water (and avoid excess caffeine) in the hours before donating. If you had a Covid vaccine, please inform staff which type you had. Donors will receive a mini-physical, including tests for heart rate, blood iron levels, and temperature.
Completing the RapidPass online at www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass before you show up for your appointment can speed up your donation process; keep the results on your smartphone, email it to yourself or bring a printout to show that you have completed this step. A blood donor card, driver’s license, or 2 other forms of identification are needed at check-in.
Persons ages 17 and above (16 with parental consent) who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Donors 18 years of age and younger need to meet height and weight requirements. The final 2022 Iola Lions blood drive is Dec. 7.