Community blood drives are planned at three locations locally during the months of November and December, the first one next week at Philomath High School that helps raise money for scholarship funds.
Philomath High (2054 Applegate St.) will host its blood drive from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12. The American Red Cross has an online system for appointments but local organizers said walk-ins would not be turned away.
Associated Student Body Adviser Jessica Mattson said the blood drives raise money for the students who coordinate the event, “so the more donors that come in, the more scholarship funds they receive.”
The Red Cross said two types of donations can be done:
• Blood — The most common type of donation, during which approximately a pint of “whole blood” is given. This type of blood donation usually takes about an hour.
• Power Red — A Power Red donation collects the red cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor. These donors must meet specific eligibility requirements and have Type A Negative, B Negative or O blood.
Blood drives are also scheduled for Friday, Dec. 13 at Peace Lutheran Church (2540 Applegate St.) and Philomath Fire and Rescue (1035 Main St.). The Peace Lutheran event will run from noon-5 p.m. and the Fire and Rescue event from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
To make an appointment to donate blood:
• Download the American Red Cross blood donor app.
• Visit RedCrossBlood.org (click here for a list of Philomath blood drives or here for PHS blood drives).
• Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Oregon residents who are at least age 16, weigh 110 pounds or more and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.