Give blood at Health Fair

The American Red Cross Arizona Region Blood Services will hold a blood drive on Tuesday, March 18, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Green Valley Annual Health Fair, West Center, 1111 Via Arco Iris, Green Valley.

Donors can schedule an appointment for their donation by calling 1-800-GiveLife. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. All those who present to donate will receive an American Red Cross key chain.

“In recent weeks, the community blood supply has dropped below adequate levels for type O blood. To prevent the supply of type O from dropping even further, we ask that O donors step forward now,” said Debra Deininger, Red Cross spokesperson.

Blood donors must be in good general health, at least 17 years old (with signed Red Cross parental consent form) and weigh at least 110 pounds. The Red Cross recommends that donors eat a small low-fat meal or snack and drink plenty of extra non-caffeinated fluids two to four hours before donating.

The entire donation process takes about an hour, and includes donor screening, a mini-physical exam, about 10 minutes for drawing a pint of blood, and post-donation refreshments. Donors can give whole blood every 56 days.