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Blood Drive In Doña Ana County Friday To Boost Supplies

United Blood Services and Doña Ana County are coming together for a blood drive on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, in the main rotunda of the Doña Ana County Government Center at 845 N. Motel Blvd., in Las Cruces. 

    Each holiday season, United Blood Services sees its blood reserves fall to critical levels. Doña Ana County invites the residents of Doña Ana County to join in giving the gift of life. The blood drive will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with appointment slots available every 20 minutes.

       To make an appointment for a screening and donation, call Janine Divyak at the Doña Ana County Planning Department at (575) 525-6130. Each donor will receive a snack and some juice, along with promotional materials to show to family and friends who might consider making a donation.

             Giving blood normally takes less than an hour, and the results save lives throughout our region. The staff at United Blood Services screens each applicant and then allows qualified donors to take a seat in one of the comfortable recliners where the donations are processed.

           All materials used in the donation process are sterile and disposable. Donors cannot contract any blood-borne disease by giving blood. All donated blood is typed to determine the A-B-O group and the Rh factor and then tested for safety, including a test for the HIV virus. Tainted blood is not distributed. Most units of accepted blood are separated into several components, allowing one donation to help several people.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids prior to donating. Wear clothing with short sleeves or with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow. If possible, consume iron-rich foods in the days leading up to a blood donation. Finally, bring a photo ID and a list of medications you are taking.

Information from Doña Ana County