Holy Spirit Episcopal Church

Winter Blood Drive set for February 20

There's no substitute for blood. When a patient receives blood, it was given in advance by a generous donor.

Holy Spirit will host its annual winter blood drive on Thursday, February 20, from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

According to the American Red Cross:
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.

The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation's blood and blood components, all from volunteer donors. But supply can't always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Donors of all blood types are needed to give now to ensure blood is available when patients need it. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs.

You can sign up for an appointment to donate blood using the Red Cross online scheduling system at www.redcrossblood.org or by contacting Elizabeth Drummond (406-240-8873; ).

The basic requirements to donate are:

• You must be in good health and feeling well.
• You must weigh at least 110 pounds.
• If you are not yet 18 years old you must have a consent form signed by your parent or guardian. Additional height and weight restrictions apply to those 18 years or younger. If you have eligibility questions, you can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.

In addition to blood donors, we need volunteers to register donors and to prepare and serve simple refreshments. To volunteer, please contact Elizabeth.