BLOODMOBILE

As influenza activity picks up this fall, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. Blood can only be given by donors who are feeling well.

Flu shot doesn’t affect blood donation eligibility

One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.

For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy and well on the day of donation.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Truman

10/28/19;11 am – 4 pm , Truman High School,401 E. 1^st St.S.

Madelia

10/29/2019; 12 pm -6 pm, Madelia High School,320 Buck Ave. SE

Northrop

11/4/2019: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Martin Luther High School, 315 Martin Luther Drive

Granada

11/5/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Granada Huntley East Chain School, 300 Reynolds

Fairmont

11/8/2019: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 300 S. Grant St.

Sherburn

11/11/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Assembly of God Regional Worship Center, 2 Crossroad Drive

Blue Earth

11/11/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Hope United Methodist Church, 12080 380th Ave.

All blood types needed now

Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are urged to give now to ensure a stable supply this fall. Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.