Metro East Sun

St. Elizabeth's Hospital issued the following announcement on Jan. 23.

HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, in conjunction with Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC), is hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, February 19 from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the SLU Conference Room at 3 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., O’Fallon, IL.

Participants attending the drive should especially note the new drive location, as previous blood drives at St. Elizabeth’s have taken place on the Mobile Donor bus in the parking lot. Anyone attending the drive on February 19 should park near the hospital’s Outpatient entrance and enter the building using the Outpatient entrance, which is noted with a blue “Outpatient” sign. Additional directional signs will be posted to lead guests to the conference room.

“Both St. Elizabeth’s and Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center are excited to host this blood drive indoors which will allow more space for our donors to get in out of the winter weather,” notes Kevin Lashley, Donor Relations Consultant at Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. “Plus, all presenting donors will receive a voucher for an Irish-inspired, “Love to Give” short sleeve, green t-shirt.”

To schedule a donation time call MVRBC at 866-GIVE-BLD (866-448-3253) or log on to www.bloodcenterimpact.org and use Sponsor Code: 10155. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are suggested. A photo ID is required to participate, and it is encouraged that all donors get a good night’s sleep, eat a sustaining meal, and hydrate well before donating.

“At this time, donations are urgently needed,” shared Lashley. “Over the past several months the region has seen a decrease in blood donations due to illness and weather. Please consider donating on February 19 to help replenish the blood supply for those in need.”

A blood donor can give every eight weeks, or up to six times a year. All persons age 17 and up (or 16, with a signed parental permission form) who weigh at least 110 lbs. and are in general good health meet the basic eligibility requirements for blood donation. A full list of donor eligibility guidelines may be found at http://www.bloodcenter.org/donate-blood/donating-blood/donor-eligibility.aspx.

About Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center

MVRBC is proud to be the provider of blood products and services to 90 hospitals, including St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. As inventory allows, MVRBC also provides additional units to hospitals across the country through a national resource sharing program.

Original source can be found here.