WINNEMUCCA -Local residents are invited to "find the hero in you" next week by donating blood.
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 26, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at the West Hall of the Winnemucca Convention Center.
The Auxiliary, one of Humboldt County's longest standing and most respected volunteer organizations, 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.
According to Auxiliary Blood Drive Chairman Carole Doughty, next week's drive is a good reminder of the need to keep blood supplies at healthy levels. "You never know when you or a family member might be in need of blood," she said.
Doughty said that while half the population will need blood or blood products during their lives, only 5 percent of U.S. residents donate blood. "One donation can save up to three lives," she said.
For those who do donate blood next week, technicians from United Blood Services of Reno will interview donors and make the blood draws. United Blood Services representative Jan McKee said the blood donated locally will be used to meet the needs of patients throughout northern Nevada and the eastern Sierras.
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 more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Carole Doughty at (775) 623-2637 or log onto www.BloodHero.com and click "Donate Blood." Use sponsor code "Winnemucca."
New this year, donors can now go online and complete their interview the same day they give. Visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org and click on the "Health History Questionnaire" link on the left side of the home page.
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