Salem Community Blood Drive at The Salvation Army Wonderland Camp and Conference Center

Sponsored By Salem Grade School

Monday, April 22nd | 9am-2pm

April is National Volunteer Month! The Red Cross depends on the generosity of volunteers to ensure blood products are available when patients need them. Our blood drives and donation centers also depend on our incredible volunteers (you!) every single day. It takes a lot of generous people to ensure blood is on hospital shelves when patients need it. First time donors don’t need to know your blood type to give. You will find out what your blood type is 2-3 weeks after your blood donation. In addition to finding out your blood type:

You get a mini-physical when you come to give.

· The Red Cross will check your pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. All of these details are tracked in the Blood Donor App too, so you can monitor your results over time.

The American Red Cross routinely checks your hemoglobin before each blood and platelet donation. Hemoglobin is a protein in your body that contains iron and carries oxygen to the tissues in your body. A screening test measures the amount of hemoglobin from a single drop of blood obtained from a finger stick. If your hemoglobin is too low, we will ask that you wait to donate. Iron is an essential mineral that is a part of hemoglobin which helps maintain your strength and energy. Your body needs iron to make new blood cells, replacing the ones lost through blood donations. Please click here for download of the Iron Rich Food and Recipe Guide.

General Guidelines for Blood Donation:

Be in good general heath and feeling well.
Weight at least 110 lbs.
Have not donated blood in the last 56 days.

All who come to give April 8-28 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Students at Salem Grade School that has a parent attend and help save lives will receive a “I can help save lives” kick ball from the Red Cross to show they made a difference to someone in need. CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.