The Iola Lions and American Red Cross will co-sponsor a Blood Drive on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 12-5 p.m. at the Iola-Scandinavia Fitness & Aquatic Center.
“There is a huge demand for blood right now, according to Red Cross,” said Blood Drive Coordinator Lion Sandi Moore. The need for blood has not ended due to COVID-19; they need blood for cancer patients, accident victims, persons having surgery, and others.”
Fellow Coordinator Louise Alsteen said, “Because of COVID-19 guidelines and since Red Cross assigns a specific number of staff to rub the Blood Drive, pre-registration is really appreciated. In Iola, we usually have a lot of walk-ins. If possible, please pre-register!”
Moore agreed, adding, “And please wear a mask. If you do not have one, Red Cross will give you one when you get to the facility. Gloves are optional for you, but rest assured, Red Cross staffers will have gloves and masks on and will be practicing strict sanitation guidelines.”
Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help save a patient’s life. For the hour it takes to give blood, you can be helping 1-3 people! This is especially critical now with so many drives having been cancelled across the country.
To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you want to save time, 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.
We hope to see you there but if you do not feel well or are still recovering from an illness, please cancel your appointment; also, if you were recently vaccinated for influenza, pneumonia, Tdap, tetanus or meningitis, providing you are symptom-free and fever-free, you can still donate as long as you feel well on September 23.
Call 920-840-1321 for more information.