Blood drive set at high school

Fairfield High School Student Council will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 pm. Friday in the school gym.

Donors who last gave blood on or before Sept. 23 are eligible to participate, as blood can be donated every eight weeks. People with controlled high blood pressure and diabetics are eligible donors.

Walk-in donors are welcome, but appointments also can be made by contacting FHS teacher Heidi Grunwald, a student council member or the Ottumwa Blood Center at 800-452-1097.

According to the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about an hour.

Donors must be at least 16 years old, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds. A blood donor card or other photo identification is required; 16-year-old donors must present a signed parental consent form each time they donate. Consent forms are available from blood center offices.

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center?s mobile unit drew 43 units of blood Nov. 1 at the Van Buren High School in Keosauqua.