Blood drives in Alexandria and Osakis

By Echo Press staff report

February 15, 2023 at 3:48 PM

The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood in February to help prevent a blood shortage and check their own health. During a blood donation appointment, the agency checks blood pressure and pulse, both important indicators of heart health.

Those who donate blood in February will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email and be entered into a contest to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, Florida. See details at RedCrossBlood.org/heart.

Donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood donors, the most needed blood group by hospitals – and platelet donors are needed daily to meet demand. To book a time to give blood or platelets, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The following blood drives are available in Douglas County:

Alexandria
Thursday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Alexandria Technical College,1601 Jefferson St.
Monday, Feb. 20, 12-6 p.m., Viking Plaza, 3015 Highway 29 S.
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 12-6 p.m., Viking Plaza, 3015 Highway 29 S.
Thursday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., First Lutheran Church, 1655 18th Ave. E & S McKay
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 605 Douglas St.

Osakis
Monday, Feb. 27, 12-6 p.m., VFW 7902, 701 E. 8th Ave.

By Echo Press staff report

Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of "staff." Often, the "staff" byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.