Letter: Here’s your chance to give blood

Talk about it

To the Editor:

As summer winds to a close, the American Red Cross would like to remind blood donors that the need for blood is constant.

Each summer, the number of blood donations decreases, while the need for blood continues to rise.

As of July 1, legislation allows 16-year-olds to donate blood. This has to be another new milestone for a 16-year-old, just like getting a driver’s license, keys to the car or a sweet 16 party.

Sixteen-year-olds must bring a signed American Red Cross parental/guardian consent form with them to the blood drive. The consent forms can be obtained by contacting a volunteer coordinator the day the bloodmobile will be in Red Wing. Hopefully, parents will support and encourage their teenagers to give blood.

The need for blood is in great demand, especially type O. The blood drive in June fell way short of its goal. Let’s make up for it in August.

A donor needs to be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 16 years of age. A form of identification is required to donate blood, such as a blood donor card or a driver’s license.

Marian Gustafson

Red Wing

Tags: red wing, opinion, blood, donations