Two opportunities to donate blood         

[June 26, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- On Tuesday, St. Clara's Manor, located at 200 Fifth Street in Lincoln, is hosting a lifesaving blood drive on the Central Illinois Community Blood Center bloodmobile in support of Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital's blood supply. The blood drive welcomes community members to donate from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

Walk-ins are certainly welcome, although appointments can be made by contacting Tara Matheson toll-free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253), ext. 56.

If someone is willing to donate but can't attend the St. Clara's Manor blood drive, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is sponsoring a routine blood drive at the Lincoln Masonic Center, 2022 N. Kickapoo St. in Lincoln, on Monday, July 2, from noon until 6 p.m. (To register online, click here.)

CICBC is the blood supplier to 19 Illinois hospitals, including Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, along with St. John's Hospital and Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Donate blood at any CICBC blood drive before Aug. 20 and credit your donation to Lincoln Community High School or your favorite participating high school in this year's Springfield Clinic High School Blood Challenge. All donors will be put into a drawing for an iPod Nano and receive double credit. The blood center hopes to offset the summer blood shortage with this special summer high school challenge program. Just let the registration staff know for which school you are donating. The winning school will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be given to a graduating senior who plans to further his or her education.

You can't donate if:

• You weigh less than 110 pounds.

• You've had a tattoo in the last year.

• You've donated within the last 56 days (eight weeks).

• You're taking an antibiotic for an infection.

• You're taking blood thinner.

*Most medications are acceptable, as long as they are regulating the condition for which the medication was prescribed. To check regarding your medication and blood donation, call a nurse toll-free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253).

You can donate if:

• You've been free of cancer for five years after treatment completed, with no recurrence (except these certain types: leukemia, lymphomas and melanoma).

• You are 17 years or older (16 years with a signed parental consent form).

• You are feeling well and healthy.

• You bring your donor card or your driver's license.

• You are willing to save the life of an area patient who needs blood.

Donate blood

A lifesaving blood drive is scheduled at St. Clara's Manor. You could help save the lives of your family, friends or neighbors.

Date: Tuesday, June 26

Time: 2:30-6 p.m.

Place: On the Central Illinois Community Blood Center bloodmobile at St. Clara's Manor, 200 Fifth St., Lincoln

Appointments are encouraged, although walk-ins are definitely welcome. To sign up, call Tara toll-free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253), ext. 56, or register online at www.cicbc.org.

CICBC, a member of America's Blood Centers, is the blood supplier to 19 Illinois hospitals, including Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, along with St. John's Hospital and Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Bring a friend, donate blood and save a life!

If you have any questions regarding donating blood, please feel free to call the blood center toll-free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253).

[Text from news release and other publicity received from Central Illinois Community Blood Center]