Blood drives Aug. 3, 4

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PREBLE COUNTY – Parker Hannifin in Lewisburg will host a community blood drive Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Community Blood Center Bloodmobile will be at 700 W. Cumberland St. in Lewisburg.

Grace Lutheran Church in Eaton will host a community blood drive Thursday, Aug. 4 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Social Hall, 111 Lutheran Drive.

It’s a chance to boost the summer blood supply and possibly win an Alaska vacation for two. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com or call 1-800-388-GIVE.

Everyone who registers to donate will receive the new “Blood Donors Don’t Moose Around” t-shirt. The shirt is green and the design features an Alaska moose under a full moon in the snow-covered wilderness. Everyone age 18 and older will also be entered in the “Wild About Alaska Adventure for Two Summer Blood Drive” drawing to win a custom-designed Alaska vacation for two.

The grand prize includes air travel to Alaska, deluxe accommodations during your week-long stay, and options for a cruise or land travel. The vacation is for the winning donor and a travel companion.

Donors can double their chances of winning entering the drawing a second time when they register for a second donation during the May 2 through Sept. 3 blood drive period. Official rules are available at www.givingblood.org.

New challenges to the summer blood supply

The summer of 2016 brings many challenges to maintaining the regional blood supply. High schools are on summer break, and nearly one fourth of all registrations to donate whole blood at CBC come from high school students. Family vacations, travel, and outdoor activities also disrupt donation schedules. In addition, new screening restrictions are impacting the number of people able to donate.

CBC and blood centers across the nation continue to take caution 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.

A change in FDA screening regulations went into effect May 23 to protect the health of donors. A higher hemoglobin level is now required for male donors. The 12.5 grams per deciliter (g/dl) requirement for donating has increased to 13.0 g/dl for males. (The female requirement remains at 12.5 g/dl).

CBC estimates the new hemoglobin requirement, coupled with stricter pulse screening requirements that also took effect May 23, could have an impact of up to six percent in the donor deferral rate.

Learn more at www.GivingBlood.org.

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 our social media pages, or schedule your next 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 (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), 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.

By Mark Pompilio

For The Register-Herald

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