Emily blood drive slated for May 24

EMILY -- The American Red Cross bloodmobile will return May 24 to Emily. Donors are needed at the blood drive noon-6 p.m. at Emily City Hall. The event marks the Emily area's 37th bloodmobile during the past 17 years.

Donors need to be at least 17 years old, at least 110 pounds and in good health.

Fifty-six days between blood donations are required, so anyone who donated at Emily's bloodmobile in January is also eligible again to be a donor in May. A new ruling for donors who are taking antibiotics allows the donor to be eligible to donate as soon as they have taken their last antibiotic.

Donors who previously were tested and found to have low iron counts are reminded to improve their iron levels by taking over-the-counter iron supplements and/or by adding iron rich foods to their diets. Meat, fish and poultry are the best absorbed iron-rich foods. Iron fortified cereals, beans, raisins, baked potatoes, breads and pasta made with iron-enriched flour are also recommended. Foods high in Vitamin C will help absorb the iron while tea, coffee, bran and antacids block the absorption of iron.

Donors are encouraged to consult their physician if they were instructed to by the Red Cross staff.

To sign up to become a donor, call coordinator Nancy Moritz at (218) 763-3097 for an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted. Anyone who would like to work at the blood drive may also call Moritz.