The Woonsocket Community Club is sponsoring a United Blood Services community blood drive on Monday, Feb. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Community Center in Woonsocket. If you are feeling well, you are encouraged to donate at this time to stock hospital shelves to fulfill all patient blood needs.
For an appointment, contact Gay Swenson at 605-796-4272 or United Blood Services at 1-800-917-4929, or go to www.bloodhero.com,  sponsor code: Woonsocket.
During the fall and winter flu season, regular donors may find themselves fighting the flu bug and unable to donate, so this is the perfect time of year for “first time donors” to help patients who are counting on volunteers to provide the lifesaving blood that they need. Your donations make a difference for those who are fighting cancer, having a surgery or facing an emergency.
Some common misconceptions exist that those who are taking medications for blood pressure, cholesterol or anti-depressants, those traveling outside the United States, those having a tattoo or piercing, or who have a history of cancer are unable to safely give blood. Potential donors are encouraged to contact the United Blood Services if they have questions or to find out if they are eligible.