Ring in the New Year by helping someone in need.
The American Red Cross has announced local blood drives for January and reminds area residents that giving blood is a safe process, is easy and takes very little time.
Blood drives scheduled include:
• Wednesday, January 3 from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at the Bellwood Senior Center, 1 Main Street, Bellwood;
• Thursday, January 4 from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the Tyrone Hospital Conference Room and
• Friday, January 19 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Tyrone Elks Lodge.
Individuals may also visit the Altoona Donation Center to give blood. The center is open on Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m. and is located on Kettle Road, two blocks off E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.
Also, individuals are able to schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-Give-Life (1-800-448-3543).
The Greater Alleghenies Region of the American Red Cross Blood Services strongly urges anyone who is eligible to give blood to call as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to donate or visit www.redcrosslife.org or www.givelife.org for a schedule of upcoming area blood drives.
Although giving blood takes very little time and about 60 percent of the people in America are eligible to donate blood, only five percent do.
Anyone at least 17-years-of-age, weighing 110 pounds or more and feeling in good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Individuals with donor eligibility questions should call the nursing collections office at 1-800-542-5663.
