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EMILY - January is National Blood Donor Month, and a good time to make a New Year's resolution to be a regular blood donor. The Red Cross Bloodmobile, sponsored by the Lakers Lions of Emily, Outing and Fifty Lakes, will be making its first of three blood drive visits to Emily on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011, from noon until 6 p.m., at the Emily City Hall.

Each year, the demand for blood increases by up to 8 percent, while annual blood donations only increase 2 to 3 percent. Currently, only 5 percent of eligible blood donors actually donate. The blood supply is a dangerously low. Severe winter weather throughout the Midwest has caused the cancellation of numerous blood drives, impacting blood donations for the local American Red Cross Unit. To help ensure a sufficient blood supply, make an appointment to donate blood.[[In-content Ad]]

Requirements to be a Blood Donor: Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and in good health. With parent or guardian's signature on the Red Cross permission form, 16 year olds are now allowed to donate Diabetics are accepted, even when on insulin. Most other medications are accepted. Antibiotics must be completed and symptoms resolved.

The goal assigned to Emily is to collect 115 units of blood. The goal was raised due to the increase need for blood. Ask about Double Red Cell collection, which is available to donors with blood types O+, O-, A- and B-. For regular blood donations, all blood types are always needed.

Donors must bring their donor card or a driver's license, or two other forms of identification. To schedule an appointment or to volunteer to help at the blood drive, please call Nancy Moritz at 218-763-3097.

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