Four blood drives planned in Fairfield, Lockridge

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center has several blood drives scheduled in Jefferson County.

A blood drive is set from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Jefferson County Health Center Conference Room. Donors who last gave on or before Feb. 17 are eligible to participate again. Walk-in donors are welcome, but those who would like an appointment can call 800-452-1097.

A blood drive is set from 2:30-6:30 p.m. Monday at the St. Mary Catholic Church Parish Hall. Donors who last gave blood on or before Feb. 20 are eligible to participate again. Walk-in donors are welcome, but those who would like an appointment can call Marianne McGregor at 469-3241.

A blood drive is set from 2-7 p.m. April 17 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Activity Building. Those who last gave on or before Feb. 21 are eligible to give again. Walk-in donors are welcome, but those who would like an appointment can call 800-452-1097.

A blood drive also is set from 3:30-7:30 p.m. April 17 at the Lockridge Senior Center. Those who last gave on or before Feb. 21 are eligible to give again. Walk-in donors are welcome, but those who would like an appointment can call Sonja Graber at 319-696-3686.

According to the blood center, blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about an hour to complete.

Donors must be at least 16 years old, be in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds.

A blood donor card or other photo identification card is required to donate. A 16-year-old donor must present a signed parental consent form each time he or she donates; forms are available from blood center offices, including the one in Ottumwa.

People with controlled high blood pressure and diabetics can give blood.