Blood Donations Needed, Montgomery Police Holding Aug. 7 Drive

GAITHERSBURG, MD — The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood donations to replenish a dwindling blood supply at hospitals after the long Fourth of July weekend. Currently blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, the agency said, and blood donors are needed to help avoid delays in lifesaving medical care.

On Wednesday, the Montgomery County Police Department is hosting a blood drive at its headquarters in Gaithersburg. The event takes place at 100 Edison Park Dr. (first floor conference room) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

You can schedule an appointment online or call 1-800-733-2767. Donors are urged to schedule appointments. Walk-in donors will be accommodated.

You can also learn more about the blood drive by clicking here.

Blood Donation Eligibility Requirements

In order to donate blood, you must weigh at least 110 lbs. According to the American Red Cross, there is no upper weight limit as long as you're in generally good health and do not weigh more than the donor bed/lounge you are using. You can discuss any weight limitations with your local health historian.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger have to meet additional height and weight requirements.

There's a chance you won't be able to donate blood if you:

• Have the cold, flu, or other types of illness
• Take certain medications (i.e., there's a waiting period if you take medicines like Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Propecia [finasteride])
• Have low iron levels
• Traveled outside the United States (i.e., visited a Malaria-risk country)

More information about blood donation eligibility requirements can be found here.