Letter to the Editor - Join the missing types movement: Donate blood July 9 at Wallner Hall in Chinook

Editor,

The letters missing here, “MERIC N RED CR SS,” may not seem like a big deal. But the letters A, B and O make up our main blood groups. For a patient in the hospital needing blood, it’s everything.

Only 3 out of 100 people in the U.S. donate blood, yet every two seconds someone needs it. Fewer people are donating blood to help patients. You can change that by joining the Missing Types movement and fill in the missing blood types.

You can make that donation Tuesday, July 9, at Wallner Hall in Chinook from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

By donating blood you’ll help kids battling cancer, accident victims, and patients fighting life-threatening conditions. You’ll also partner alongside celebrities, iconic brands, donors, volunteers, and families raising awareness about why blood donations are crucial. No matter your blood type, we need you. Together, we can fill the missing types.

So please, come join us at  to give your life-saving gift. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Walk ins are always welcome. Call and schedule your appointment at 1-800-Red-Cross or log in to http://www.redcrossblood.org.

Any healthy person age 18,or age 16 or 17 with a signed parental consent, or older and weighing at least 110 pounds is eligible and encouraged to donate blood.

Valid identification is required for all blood donations (driver’s license or school ID are accepable). Parental consents for those 16 or 17 years of age can be picked up at the registration table at Wallner Hall the day of the drive or you can call Carla Jenewein at 357-8506.  

People with an appointment can save up to 15 minutes at the donation by completing the health history online the day of the drive.  All you have to do is visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass/.

Before donating it is recommended that people get a good night’s sleep; have a good breakfast or lunch; drink extra water and fluids to replace the volume they will donate while avoiding beverages with caffeine; eat iron-rich foods, and avoid fatty foods.

We look forward to seeing you at Wallner Hall on Tuesday, July 9.

Blood Drive Coordinator Carla Jenewein