Feel good about giving back donating blood

Talk about it

Looking for a way to give back to your community, but don’t have a lot of time to volunteer? The American Red Cross reminds eligible individuals that in about an hour, you can help save a life by donating blood and the gratification you’ll feel when you donate is instant.

“Blood is a perishable product that can only come from generous volunteer blood donors,” said Geoff Kaufmann, CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Services region. “By donating blood, you can make a difference in the lives of patients in your community and throughout the nation.”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:

•April 26, noon to 6 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 605 Douglas Street, Alexandria.

•April 27, noon to 6 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 605 Douglas Street, Alexandria.

To donate blood, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.

High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Tags: local news, red cross, donating blood, blood drive, news, blood