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Last updated on Wednesday, June 24, 2015
(BLOOMINGTON) - The City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department and the American Red Cross are sponsoring a community blood drive for the general public during the Bloomington Farmers’ Market on Saturday.
The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Council Chambers of City Hall, 401 N. Morton St. The blood drive presents a wonderful opportunity for participants to give back to the community, while visiting the Bloomington Farmers Market.
Donating blood is a simple way to make a big difference in the lives of others, as donating one pint of blood can save up to three lives. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, which amounts to more than 41,000 blood donations needed every day.
The process of donating blood is not only simple, but safe. Every blood donor is given a mini-physical, checking the donor's temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin to ensure their body can safely handle the donation process. The actual blood donation typically takes less than 10-12 minutes, while the entire process takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Also, all donated blood is tested for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and other infectious diseases before it can be released to hospitals. Additionally, any information given by blood donors to the American Red Cross is confidential.
Those interested in giving blood must be at least 17 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds. Generally, anyone in good health can donate, which means that those with a cold, flu or sore throat at the time of donation should refrain from giving blood. A healthy iron level is important before donating, which can be achieved through a diet of iron rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals and raisins. Before donating blood, participants should eat well, drink plenty of water and have a full night of rest. Refreshments will be available to donors after the process.
To schedule an appointment, visit the Red Cross online at www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code "BLOOMFARM" or call 1.800.733.2767. For more information about the blood drive at City Hall or other community health programs, contact Health Projects Manager Nancy Woolery at 812.349.3851.
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