RICE -- The American Red Cross will be coming to Rice, Monday for an annual fall blood drive.

The drive will be hosted at the Shephard of Pines Church in Rice from 1:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Volunteer coordinator for the Rice area blood drive, Lora Knafla says walk ins are welcome but scheduling an appointment works best.

"We prefer appointments because we don't want to have people waiting for a long time. They can call me at 320-393-2701 I'd be happy to set up an appointment for them. We do except walk ins but there will probably be a longer wait because we do want to honor the appointments."

Anyone in good health, at least 17-years-old and weighing at least 110 pounds can donate blood. If you've never donated before Knafla has a few tips.

"The best thing to do is to drink a lot of water before you come, a day or two before. Get a good nights rest, make sure to eat good meals and don't skip any throughout the day because that will make you weaker."

Right now the Red Cross is in need of donors of all blood types, especially type O. Type O is known as the universal blood type, meaning anyone can receive this blood even if they are a different blood type.

If you would like to make an appointment you can call Lora Knafla at 320-393-2701

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