COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Knights of Columbus Council 2145 will host a community blood drive Sunday, Nov. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Bernadette’s Hall at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Colusa.
The blood drive, conducted in partnership with Vitalant, will provide residents an opportunity to donate blood for patients undergoing surgery, receiving cancer treatments, recovering from traumatic injuries or managing chronic blood disorders.
According to Vitalant, a single whole blood donation can help save up to three lives. Blood donations help hospitals maintain supplies for emergencies and ongoing medical treatments.
Those who donate during the Nov. 15 event may also qualify for two promotional offers. Vitalant is offering a Winnie-the-Pooh T-shirt to eligible donors who participate in its rewards program and donate between Nov. 1 and Nov. 22. Donors will also have an opportunity to enter a drawing for one of three $10,000 gift cards. Terms and conditions apply to both promotions.
Vitalant encourages donors to prepare for their appointments by drinking plenty of water, getting seven to eight hours of sleep the night before and eating a healthy, low-fat meal two to three hours before donating.
Donors should also eat iron-rich foods, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before their appointments and bring identification showing their name and either a photograph, date of birth or donor identification number.
Vitalant recommends wearing comfortable clothing with sleeves that can easily roll up.
The blood donation process generally takes less than an hour, with the actual collection lasting approximately eight to 10 minutes. After donating, participants should rest for at least 15 minutes, enjoy refreshments and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for approximately 24 hours.
Vitalant also provides donors access to their blood type, cholesterol results and certain health screening information through a confidential online donor account.
Appointments are encouraged. Donors can schedule by calling Vitalant at 530-893-5433 and mentioning blood drive code SMFR349. Appointments are also available through www.vitalant.org or the Vitalant mobile app.