THERE’S NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW TO DONATE BLOOD!!
Post 62 will host a Blood Drive on Saturday the 22nd of August from 8 am to 12 noon in our Bingo Hall. The address is 9847 W. Desert Cove Ave., Peoria AZ 85345. Depending on the number of people who want to donate, it could be extended into the afternoon. Please, SPREAD THE WORD!We will be teaming with Vitalant (877-258-4825) whose staff will work with us to organize our blood drive, and draw the blood from our donors; members and non-members alike. Vitalant is one of the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit transfusion medicine organizations.
Vitalant prefers that blood donors pre-register at Bloodhero.com. The sponsor code is legion62. Doing so will ensure that Vitalant knows before the blood donor shows up that they are eligible to donate. Advanced appointments are encouraged to help maintain social distancing. They will, of course, accept walk-ins.
Vitalant requires that a minimum of 28 volunteer donors register in advance in order to hold a blood bank/drive.
Everyone will enter the Bingo area through the north doors next to the flag pole. There, you will be greeted and certain vitals (like your temperature) will be checked before you enter the Bingo Hall. Upon leaving, the east Bingo doors will be available.
All donors must bring and wear a mask or cloth-based face mask.
There are two categories of blood donation:
Whole Blood – is separated into individual components (red blood cells, platelets and plasma) before it is sent to hospitals to help patients.
Double Red Cell – your blood is collected and channeled through single-use sterile plastic kits using special equipment. It spins the blood to separate and keep your red blood cells. The remaining blood components are returned to you along with a hydrating saline solution. This donation allows you to double your lifesaving gift. And, this procedure takes a little more time (about 30 to 45 minutes). Some donors have said this type of donation is more comfortable than whole blood donation, and it leaves you more hydrated.
Our Post will need perhaps 2 – 4 volunteers on this day (depends on the number of blood donors that sign up) to support the Vitalant staff. Our Post 62 volunteers will call donors the day prior to their appointment to ensure they will be there.
For those who donate blood at this event, you’ll be entered to win a 2020 VW Tiguan S; donated by our valley Volkswagen dealers. Drawing to be held sometime after September 11th.
The coordinators are 2nd Vice Commander Jim McCrady and Adjutant David Broyles. There will be more information at YOUR Post 62 (www.azpost62.com).
David S. Broyles
Adjutant, Post 62
Main Number: 623-972-8372
CP: 602-769-3684
