Last Whitefish blood drive of the year

The American Red Cross will host the last 2024 Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, Nov. 21, at The WAVE, located at 1250 Baker Avenue, from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. 

The entire donation process takes about an hour, including check-in, a brief health review, drawing the blood and snacks afterwards. People are encouraged to add a local blood donation to their Thanksgiving schedules.  

Appointments are recommended and a blood donor card or a driver license is required for all donors at the time of check-in. To schedule your appointment for Nov. 21, please go to www.redcrossblood.org and search for a blood drive in the Whitefish zip code or call Merry Lynn Southers at 406-250-0126. 

Walk-in donors are welcome, however, there may be a short wait. It is recommended that people eat a hardy meal and drink plenty of water prior to giving blood.  

Someone in Montana needs blood every 27 minutes. A donation will help accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and those receiving treatments for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell. Blood cannot be manufactured; it can only come from generous donors.  

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