Anyone 17 years of age or older (16 year olds may donate with an American Red Cross parental permission slip), weighing 110 pounds or more and in good health may donate. Call 1-800-448-3543 or visit www.Americanredcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment or to inquire about hosting a blood drive.

Anyone 17 years of age or older (16 year olds may donate with an American Red Cross parental permission slip), weighing 110 pounds or more and in good health may donate. Call 1-800-448-3543 or visit www.Americanredcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment or to inquire about hosting a blood drive.

Blood supply continues to fluctuate and regular donations, especially of type O negative, are needed to ensure an adequate supply for patients across our region and our nation. Donating is easy, and the Red Cross has some tips to make your experience go smoothly:

Before Donating

· Make an appointment to give blood. Those donors with appointments will be seen at their allotted time and will not have to wait in line.

· Get a good night's sleep.

· Have a good breakfast or lunch.

· Drink extra water and fluids to replace the volume you will donate (avoid tea, coffee, or other beverages with caffeine).

· Eat iron-rich foods (red meat, fish, poultry or liver, beans, iron-fortified cereals, raisins and prunes).

· Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries, or ice cream before donating. Tests for infections done on all donated blood can be affected by fatty materials (lipids) that appear in your blood for several hours after eating fatty foods.

During the Donation

· Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.

· Show the staff any "good veins" that have been used successfully in the past to draw blood.

· Relax.

· Take the time to enjoy a snack and a drink in the refreshments area immediately after donating.

After Donation

· Rehydrate by drinking plenty of fluids over the next 24 to 48 hours.

· Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about five hours after donation.

· If you feel lightheaded, lie down, with feet elevated, until the feeling passes.

· In rare cases when bleeding occurs after removing the bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm until the bleeding stops. If bleeding or bruising occurs under the skin, apply a cold pack to the area periodically during the first 24 hours.

· If for any reason, something doesn't feel right, call the American Red Cross toll free number provided to you after your donation.

· Enjoy the good feeling that comes with knowing that you may have helped saved as many as three lives.