For the Tribune

Oct. 27 and 28 drives will be held at the union center and Riverland Community College respectively. Donors can call Freeborn County Chapter, (507) 373-4544, to make an appointment.

In the North Central region, between 900 and 1000 units of blood need to be donated each day to fulfill patient need at hospitals, including nearly 125 regional hospitals in parts of Minnesota, western Wisconsin, northern Iowa, and eastern South Dakota. Eligible donors can give blood every 56 days-up to six times per year. Each unit of blood is usually separated into multiple components, including red blood cells, plasma and platelets.

Each component is typically transfused to a different individual, each with different needs.

With each blood donation, a donor can help save the life of up to three patients. If you donate blood every 56 days for 60 years, beginning at age 17, how much blood have you donated? (Although there is no upper age limit for donating blood.) You will have donated 354 units or 48 gallons of blood and more than 1000 units of plasma, platelets and red blood cells could be transfused to patients in need from your blood donations.

The American Red Cross has scheduled the following bloodmobiles in the Albert Lea area: Oct. 27, 1 – 7 p.m., Union Center, 404 E Main – Type-O Drive Only and Oct. 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Riverland Community College, 2200 Technical Dr.

For more information on upcoming bloodmobiles in your community or to schedule a donation appointment, call the Freeborn County Red Cross at (507) 373-4544. Information may also be found at the North Central Blood Services Web site, www.yourbloodcenter.org/