The American Red Cross is scheduled to set up a mobile blood drive site at Local 802 on Wednesday, June 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Our Club Room will be dedicated for one whole day to the drive. We hope to make it convenient for our members who choose to donate blood to do so. Eighty percent of the blood donations given to the Red Cross are collected at mobile blood drives set up in community organizations, schools, churches and companies. Local 802 is happy to be able to join with others to do our part for the community.

Here are some quick facts from the American Red Cross:

• Shortages of all blood types occur usually during the summer and winter holidays.
• One donation can save the lives of three people.
• The demand for blood transfusions is growing faster than donations.
• Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
• Blood cannot be manufactured — it can only come from donors.

Local 802 members who are able are urged to take the opportunity to be a donor. Member Steve Morrell would like to remind us, “When you give blood you’re actually saving a life, and that’s a wonderful feeling.”

Donating blood involves giving a medical history and taking a mini physical. The Red Cross recommends that participants abstain from fatty foods prior to donating.

FREE CHOLESTEROL TEST

From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 13 — during our blood donation drive — Health Watch will provide two trained and experienced technicians to offer a free cholesterol screening for our members.

The test will include glucose and a complete cholesterol profile.

This procedure will be offered to those members who plan to make a blood donation.

The test can be completed in less than 10 minutes and the participant can get the test results on site shortly thereafter.

Health Watch recommends that participants abstain from eating for up to 12 hours prior to the test for best results.

All information gathered by the American Red Cross or Health Watch will be kept confidential. We will take the necessary precautions to provide as much privacy as possible.

The American Red Cross will be providing refreshments to all donors. Local 802 will be providing sandwiches and light refreshments for Local 802 members who choose to participate.