Blood Drive Scheduled at Health Department

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive on Friday, June 21 from 12 to 5:30 p.m. in the conference room at Garrett County Health Department at 1025 Memorial Drive in Oakland.

“The Garrett County Health Department is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations,” said Sandy Browning, AmeriCorps Member. “This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives.”

According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. They recommend the following tips for a successful blood donation: Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet. Stay well hydrated by drinking an extra 16 ounces of liquid before and after your donation. Have a healthy meal before your donation and avoid foods high in fat just prior to donation. Remember to bring your ID.

To donate blood, a person must be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years old, (or 16 years old with parental consent form), and have not donated blood in the last 56 days.

Remember that using RAPIDPASS can save you up to 15 minutes.

Using RAPIDPASS is simple. On the day of the blood drive just:

1. Visit www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass
2. Read the information
3. Answer the questions
4. Print the pass and bring along or email the pass to yourself and show on your smart phone

To schedule an appointment please call Venessa at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111, or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.