Blood drives scheduled in area

As influenza activity picks up this fall, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well. One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptomfree and feverfree. For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy and well on the day of donation.

Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are urged to give now to ensure a stable supply this fall. Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1800RED CROSS (18007332767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

New Hartford: Nov. 12, 1:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m., South End Volunteer Fire, 20 Antolini Road, Route 219 and 202

Norfolk: Nov. 11, 1 p.m. 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, 4 North St. /Rt 44

Roxbury: Nov. 15, 1 p.m. 6 p.m., The Roxbury Congregational Church, 24 Church Street

Salisbury: Nov. 15, 1:15 p.m. 7 p.m., Salisbury School, 251 Canaan Road

Washington: Nov. 13, 8 a.m. 1 p.m., Shepaug Valley High School, 159 South Street

Winsted: Nov. 12, 1 p.m. 6 p.m., Winsted Area Ambulance Association, 655 Main Street