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Politics & Government

Things to Know: One More Reason to Participate in Upcoming Blood Drive

Donating a pint of blood could save lives. I know from experience. And get ready for the city's Polar Bear Plunge.

Here are some important things happening around town that everyone should know about this coming week.

Events

Friday, Jan. 20. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. John Muir Elementary School, along with Lunardi’s Market and the Blood Centers of the Pacific, will be holding a blood drive. No appointment is necessary, but call 1-888-393-GIVE (4483) if you want to make an appointment.

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Here are some personal words of encouragement to participate in this event.

I have been and is a current Blood Center of the Pacific donor. The process is professional and very simple, and the needle stick is almost impossible to feel.  Try it. You will like it. Those needing blood will thank you.

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Donating blood is one of easiest ways to support your community. Your donation will help save the life of up to three people. If you’ve never donated blood before, you’re probably wondering what you can expect and you may even be a little nervous. But don’t worry. Giving blood is safe and simple. Although the actual blood draw takes only a few minutes, the entire donation process takes about an hour.

Here are the steps:

  • Present your photo ID Card;
  • Read the information sheet about donating blood;
  • Provide basic demographic and health information;
  • Answer questions about past and present health history (information is kept private);
  • Undergo mini exam to determine if you are able to donate (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate).
  • Give blood drop to determine hemoglobin level;
  • Drink water or other beverage prior to your donation. The more hydrated you are, the faster your donation will be and the better you’ll feel afterwards;
  • Sit in one of the specialized comfy donor “lounge chairs”; Answer a few questions from a staff member;
  • Once the needle is in place, it usually takes less than 10 minutes to draw a unit (about a pint) of blood. You’ll squeeze a ball to keep the blood flowing while you read, relax or chat with one of our nurses;
  • Finish your donation, after which the needle will be removed and a bandage applied (the bandage is a great way to show off what a hero you are!);
  • Sit, relax and have a snack and drink at the donor canteen for a few minutes (California law states you’ll need to hang out with us for at least 15 minutes); All done. 

So You Can Plan Accordingly

Saturday, Jan. 28. 8:30 a.m. The annual Polar Bear Plunge will take place at the San Bruno Park Pool. The cost is $20, and all proceeds benefit the Youth Enhancement Scholarship Fund. The event is open to all residents ages 5 and older. If you register after Jan. 17, you will not be guaranteed a T-shirt. Call 650-616-7180 for more information.

Saturday, Jan. 28. Noon-5 p.m. The Shops at Tanforan will be holding a New Year, New You! resolution fair on the upper level by JCPenney. Meet representatives from businesses that offer a wide variety of services and products that can help you achieve your New Year's resolutions goal. If you'd like to participate as an exhibitor, please contact Kerry McArdle at The Daily Journal at 650-303-6735 or kerry@smdailyjournal.com.

Wednesday, Feb 1. This is the deadline for the Parks and Recreation Commission's Community Recognition Award. If you know a volunteer in the San Bruno community who is deserving of recognition for all the hard work and dedication he or she has demonstrated, turn in an application at http://www.sanbruno.ca.gov/parks_main.asp or call Danielle Brewer at 650-616-7182.

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