Portola Blood Drive set for Feb. 10
The Eastern Plumas Health Care Auxiliary has sponsored the Portola blood drives for many years. The Auxiliary now works with Vitalent of Reno, Nevada. The first drive of 2023 will be held in Portola on Friday, Feb. 10. The drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Catholic Community Hall, 100 North Pine Street.
Every single blood donation is critical right now as the area faces a SEVERE BLOOD SHORTAGE. Every day, Vitalant needs to collect about 5,300 donations to help save lives. Seasonal illnesses can significantly reduce blood drives and donor availability with little notice, but donated blood must continually be on hand before each patient need arises. That’s why it’s especially important this time of year for donors who are healthy and eligible to donate.
All February donors will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Please, make a donation and also encourage others to donate. You have the power to save up to 3 lives with one blood donation! Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
Reminders:
- Bring your ID.
- Eat a healthy, low-fat meal within two hours ahead of your donation.
- Drink 8 to 16 ounces of water or a sports drink.
- The day before you donate, have a snack or a meal that’s on the salty side. When you donate blood, you lose about a gram of salt. Replacing some of that salt ahead of time helps keep your blood pressure normal and can improve your donation experience.
Although walk-ins are welcome, an appointment is preferred. To schedule an appointment, visit vitalant.org. If you need more information or assistance scheduling an appointment, call Auxiliary Member Pandora Valle at 832-0347.
