Volunteer Opportunity: Upcoming Blood Drives in Maple Grove

Did you know that, 1 in 3 people will need blood in their lifetime?

Because of the need for donated blood, two Memorial Blood Center blood drives will be held in Maple Grove in March.

On March 1, residents can give blood from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Maple Grove Hospital. On March 25, residents can give blood at Advent Lutheran Church from 2 to 7:30 p.m.

In order to donate blood, various criteria must be met.

Donors must:

• Be 17 years old, or have a 16-year-old consent form
• Weigh 110 pounds or more
• Be free of antibiotics for 24 hours, unless taken daily for skin condition
• Be symptom-free for at least 3 days following a cold or flu

If you choose to donate, Memorial Blood Center suggests the following tips for a good experience:

• Get a solid night’s sleep before donating
• Eat a full meal within six hours prior to your appointment
• Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for a few hours after donating
• Make sure that your system is fully hydrated—drink 12-16 ounces or more just prior to donating and plenty of fluids for the remainder of the day

To schedule an appointment to donate blood in Maple Grove, go online, find the blood drive you’d like participate in,  and create a free donor ID.