Whitefish Community Blood Drive

The American Red Cross will host the first 2023 Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, Jan. 19 at The Wave – 1250 Baker Avenue – from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Blood donations typically decline at this time of year due to holiday schedules and weather conditions. But the need for blood never stops. The entire donation process takes about an hour – which includes check-in, a brief health review, the actual drawing of blood and snack time. Be the lifeline patients need – give blood!

Appointments are recommended and a blood donor card or a driver's license is required at check-in. To schedule your appointment for Jan. 19, please call Jean at 406-862-4332 or go online to www.redcrossblood.org and search for blood drives in the 59937 zip-code area. Walk-in donors are welcome; however, there may be a short wait. It is strongly suggested that you eat a hardy meal and drink plenty of water prior to giving blood. Snacks, water and juices will be provided for you at the blood drive.

Every 27 minutes someone in Montana will need blood. The need for blood includes accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and anyone receiving treatments for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell. Blood cannot be produced or manufactured; it can only come from generous donors. The need is constant and the gratification is instant.

For further information about the American Red Cross Blood Donation Program and why blood donations are important, go to www.redcrossblood.org.