Several blood drives are scheduled in Tyrone and Bellwood during the upcoming weeks. Giving blood is a safe process, is easy and takes very little time.
First, a blood drive will be held on Friday, September 8 at the Tyrone Hospital from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Then, the Bellwood Senior Center will host a drive from noon to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13.
Also, a drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Tyrone Hookies Fire Hall, 1216 Blair Avenue, on Thursday, September 28.
Individuals may always visit the Altoona Donation Center to give blood. The center is open on Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m. and is located on Kettle Road, two blocks off E. Pleasant Valley Blvd. Call 941-8386 with questions.
Also, individuals are always able to schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-Give-Life (1-800-448-3543).
Individuals who are eligible to give blood are urged to call as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to donate or visit www.redcrosslife.org or www.givelife.org for a schedule of upcoming area blood drives.
Remember, all blood types are needed everyday.
Although giving blood takes very little time and about 60 percent of the people in America are eligible to donate blood, only five percent do.
Anyone at least 17-years-of-age, weighing 110 pounds or more and feeling in good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Individuals with donor eligibility questions should call the nursing collections office at 1-800-542-5663.
The Red Cross would also like to remind people that the weight requirement has recently changed. The previous weight was 105 pounds, but donations will no longer be accepted from persons weighing less than 110 pounds. While this affects few donors, the Red Cross wants to get the word out to help prevent confusion at blood collection centers.
