FFA blood drive

The Pinedale FFA chapter is holding its annual fall blood drive on Thursday, Nov. 21.

For over 50 years, Americans have been donating blood for patients who need transfusions. Las year, more than 14 million units of blood were provided to nearly four million patients suffering from cancer, leukemia, severe anemia, bone and joint problems, heart disease or trauma, as well as to persons having organ transplants.

All donors must have an identification in order to donate blood. The ID can be a donor card, driver's license or Social Security card. The United Blood Service donor card is preferred. If a donor does not have ID with him/her, he/she will not be able to donate.

Giving blood saves lives. There are no artificial substitutes. New techniques allow some patients to donate their own blood and receive it back during or after surgery to make more efficient use of each unit. However, the demand today is greater than ever, and the nation's supply of banked blood needs constant replenishment. Volunteer blood donors are needed - and estimated eight million of them this year. While more than half of Americans are eligible to give blood, less than 5 percent actually do.

Eat well 24 hours before the blood drive, drink plenty of water, limit the amount of caffeine consumed and bring a complete list of the medications you are currently taking.

Call 367-9955 to set an appointment between 1 and 6:30 p.m.