Donations in the form of a pint of blood are needed year-round, according to American Red Cross officials.

    This time of year, the need for blood donations increases due to the cold and flu season.

    “It is a safe and easy process,” says Liz Jordan, a donor recruitment representative for Red Cross Blood Services. “You reproduce the lost blood within 24-hours.”

    Interested persons are eligible to donate blood every 56 days.

    However, there are some restrictions including having to wait for a year to donate blood if you’ve been given a tattoo in the state of Idaho. You also have to be at least 16-years-old and meet the weight requirements. There could be additional restrictions if you’ve traveled outside of the United States within one year time span.

    “We like to solicit donors who are in good health,” Jordan adds. “It’s a good idea to know the names of any medications you might be taking, as well, since that is a question that will be asked.”

    A blood drive was sponsored by Potelco United Credit Union officials on Feb. 14. They host two blood drives a year.

    “It’s fun to host one on Valentine’s Day,” says Jaclyn Brown, the marketing and community development coordinator for the credit union. “I get to say ‘Have a heart, give blood’ when I am calling to fill the time slots.”

    It was required that appointments be made ahead of time at the holiday-themed blood drive. A protocol Jordan likes to stick to in order to make the entire process most convenient for donors.

    “We schedule these blood drives way in advance so we can count on the donations coming in,” Jordan says. “It (the blood) is living medicine, and it has a shelf life. We try to keep a three day supply in local hospital at all times.”

    Jordan indicated that blood drives are held 5-6 days a week in the Eastern Idaho area. The process of giving blood takes an hour.

    “We conduct as many as three blood drives a day,” Jordan says. “ We’re always looking for businesses to sponsor one. We conduct them on site.”

    Brown may have been the blood drive coordinator, but she is also a donor.

    “Every one donation saves three lives,” Brown says. “My advice for those preparing to give blood is to stay hydrated, in order to get your blood pumping, and to eat a big breakfast to help stabilize your blood sugar levels.”

    Cori Hadley also committed to being a blood donor on Feb. 14. She donates blood occasionally and is on the bone marrow donor list.

    “I’d do just about anything to help someone out, if I could,” Hadley says. “Whenever I leave after donating blood, I feel as though I did my duty for the day. It’s my way of giving back.”

    To view a list of upcoming blood drives visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/lewisclark.