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Health & Fitness

Giving Blood is Now Easier With Red Cross Streamlining

The staff tests you to make sure you can give blood and then they let you finish answering questions on a laptop.

Have you given blood lately? Are you seeking ways to help your community? I started giving blood a few years ago and would have continued if I had not become borderline anemic. I was happy to give, but found the entire process very time consuming, especially the part when the staff on site gathered and asked many routine questions one-on-one.

Last year, I was able to give blood again and found that the American Red Cross had made a significant improvement to help streamline their blood donation process. For one, making an appointment has cut down on the wait time to be processed by a staff member. And when you reach the staff check in stage, they test you to make sure you can give blood and then they let you finish answering questions on a laptop. This is very simple, private and you're done in no time. If you need assistance using the computer, the staff is available to help. And if you keep yourself well hydrated, the final blood collection stage is quick.

What are the main requirements to give blood? You need to be 17 years of age or older, you are in good general health, and you weigh at least 110 pounds. The Red Cross also provides tips for a successful donation at their website. These comprehensive tips include the day before preparations, as well as during and after your donation. They also provide answers to frequently asked blood donation questions. When you donate, bring a form of positive ID or your Red Cross blood donor card.

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There is a constant need for blood, especially type O negative since it can be given to patients with any blood type. This becomes especially important during emergencies and the Red Cross distributes blood around the globe. So if you are able, consider giving the gift of life. I am grateful I can give and help others in need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule an appointment or to sponsor a blood drive.


Local donation schedule:

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Tuesday, June 21
Haddam Killingworth Middle School, 451 Route 81, Killingworth
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Friday, June 24
Zion Lutheran Church, 183 William St, Portland
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Monday, June 27
St. Augustine Church, 30 Caputo Rd, North Branford
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
 
Tuesday, June 28
St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington St., Middletown
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday,  July 15
Middlesex Health Care Center, 100 Randolph Road, Middletown
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

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