The Humboldt Hospital Auxiliary along with United Blood Services in Reno will host its annual March Community Blood Drive from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, March 26, at the West Hall of the Winnemucca Convention Center.
The Auxiliary hosts three blood drives each year. In addition to next week's event, the organization hosted a blood drive last November; another drive will take place in July.
United Blood Services of Reno is the sole blood products supplier to 20 hospitals in northern Nevada, including Humboldt General Hospital.
"Every day, we need approximately 120 blood donations to meet the increasing demand for red blood cells, platelets and plasma," said Steve Thomas, Donor Recruitment Director for United Blood Services.
For those who do donate blood next week, technicians from United Blood Services of Reno will interview donors and make the blood draws.
Potential blood donors are those 17 years and older who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in reasonably good health. Those who have visited a dentist in the past 24 hours or who have taken antibiotics up to three days prior may not donate. A history of cancer in the last year or tattoos or body piercings in the last 12 months may defer a donor for a year.
Donors should eat a low-fat meal prior to giving blood and bring with them personal identification: a driver's license or blood donor or Social Security card. The virtually painless process takes less than an hour.
The Humboldt Hospital Auxiliary will provide juice and cookies after donations. For information or to schedule an appointment, call (775) 785-6619.
Also, donors can now go online and complete their interview the same day they give blood. Visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org and click on the "Health History Questionnaire" link on the left side of the home page.[[In-content Ad]]
