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One in three people will need blood at some time in their life. When someone in the communities we serve needs blood, it is our responsibility to have it safe and readily available. The only way we can do that is through your donations.

With no substitute for human blood, volunteer blood donations save lives right here in our community every day. If you can give blood, please do. If you can’t, please encourage and support others who can and help spread the word. Donating blood only takes a short amount of time a few times a year, or when you are eligible.

The blood donation process generally follows these steps:

• Before giving blood, make sure that you meet the requirements, get a good night’s sleep, eat regular meals and drink plenty of fluids.
• After you present a photo ID and read the information sheet you will undergo a mini-exam (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and iron level) and then provide confidential answers to health history questions.
• The donation takes place in a comfortable chair. Most donors feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted and nothing after that.
• After the donation, you should sit down and have a snack and beverage. If you experience any light-headedness let your donor technician know and lie down until you feel better. Do not use tobacco products for the next 30 minutes. Leave the arm bandage on and do not engage in strenuous activity or lift heavy objects for the next two to four hours. For the next 24 – 48 hours be sure to increase fluid intake.

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