SIDNEY – Sidney donors will hold the key to saving lives at the American Legion Post 217 community blood drive Tuesday, March 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Legion Hall, 1265 North Fourth St. Everyone who registers to donate will receive a key chain etched with the Community Blood Center blood drop log. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com or call 800-388-GIVE.
The chrome key chain features the CBC logo on a diamond-shaped fob with a braided key loop. The “Key to Saving Lives” key chain is free to anyone who registers to donate March 21 through April 30 at a CBC Donor Center and most CBC mobile blood drives.
The Easter holiday season can be a challenging time for maintaining the blood supply. Many high schools are on Easter break and families are often traveling. Spring is also a time when severe weather and seasonal illnesses can interfere with donating.
In addition, CBC is taking cautions against the Zika virus. Potential donors who have traveled to Zika endemic areas in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central or South America are deferred from donating for 28 days. The restriction is expected to decrease the number of eligible donors by approximately 2.25 percent.
CBC encourages eligible donors to help offset this loss by making an appointment to donate. Type O whole blood donors and type AB platelet and plasma donors are especially encouraged to donate when able.
Connect with Community Blood Center for the latest information and services at www.GivingBlood.org. Get fast and complete answers on how to make your first donation, organize a blood drive, or bring our education program to your school. Get all the updates in the CBC/CTS newsroom, find quick links to CBC social media pages, or schedule an appointment to donate by connecting to www.DonorTime.com.
Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 16 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good physical health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email [email protected] or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.
Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services is an independent, not-for-profit organization. Community Blood Center provides blood products to 24 hospitals within a 15-county service area in the Miami (Ohio) and Whitewater (Indiana) Valleys. For more information about Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services, visit www.givingblood.org.
