The Winters Lions Club and Vitalant (formerly known as BloodSource) are hosting a Winters community blood drive on Monday, Nov. 9 from 1-6 p.m. at the Winters Community Center (201 Railroad Ave., Winters).
Karen Benson-Neil, Lions Club board members, said this month’s blood drive donations are in celebration and memorial of the life of Winters resident Adam Davis who passed away from a form of blood cancer in 2016. Every two seconds someone receives a blood transfusion. It is the gift of blood that helps save lives.
Donors are required to wear a mask or face covering that covers the nose and mouth when they come to donate blood.
A COVID-19 antibody test is performed on all donations allowing Vitalant to discover if any donors may be able to donate convalescent plasma to help patients fighting COVID-19.
To ensure social distancing requirements, due to COVID-19, donors are encouraged to make an appointment online.
Schedule Appointment
Community members can schedule their appointment now at www.donors.vitalant.org and choose “Advanced Search,” and then use the blood drive code “SMFM164” in the indicated field. An appointment can also be made by calling Vitalant at 1-866-822-5663.
Donors must bring a photo I.D. with them on the day of the blood drive. They are also encouraged to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating. Whole blood donors must be at least 16 years old (16 year old’s need a signed Vitalant parental consent form available online at Vitalant.org), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good general health.
Donors are able to complete a Fast Track Health History Questionnaire on the day of the blood drive online at https://vitalant.org/health.
Other donation types have specific eligibility criteria. Visit https://www.vitalant.org/Donate/Donate-Blood-Overview for more information.
Questions regarding scheduling and donating can be directed to 877-258-4825.
Save the date for the upcoming Winters community blood drive scheduled for Jan. 11, 2021.
