By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The American Red Cross wants to remind blood donors, you are still needed and donating is safe.
"One of the elements of community preparedness is to have a safe, solid blood supply," said Red Cross spokesperson Jan Hale. "While the majority of us are still feeling pretty good and healthy, we would just want people to remember to donate blood."
Infection protocol is routine practice for blood donation.
"Our staff wear gloves," Hale said. "They wipe down donor touching areas. The collection kits are one use. Even when we prepare the arm for the donation, that's an antiseptic scrub that actually sterilizes the arm."
It's also important to know that you can donate fairly often.
"Every 56 days, somebody can donate blood," Hale said. "Unless you've done a Power Red, which means the last time you gave, you gave a double dose. That's select donors that fit a criteria. That's every 112 days, if you've donated Power Red."
The next Reno County blood drive is at Nickerson High School on Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.