Blood drives planned around area

Blood drives are scheduled from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Baxter City Hall, 203 S. Main St. in Baxter; from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the DMACC Newton Campus, 600 N. Second Ave. W. in Newton; and from 2 to 7 p.m. March 22 at First State Bank, 413 East St. in Lynnville.

To be eligible to donate blood, donors must be at least 16 years old, and 16- and 17-year-old donors must have a signed consent form. Donors also must weigh at least 120 pounds and should be in general good health. Anyone with specific questions about blood donation eligibility may contact The Blood Center directly at (800) 287-4903.

All blood donors are encouraged to eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating. Donors also should bring a photo ID when registering to donate blood. New donors who are not familiar with the blood donation process can learn more about what to expect when donating blood by visiting the “Did You Know” section at The Blood Center’s Web site, www.bloodcenterofiowa.org.

The Blood Center provides blood and blood products to 46 hospitals in 44 Iowa counties. To learn more about the Blood Center of Iowa or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, call (800) 287-4903 or visit www.bloodcenterofiowa.org.