Anoka County Hosts Final Blood Drive Of 2025 On Thursday, December 18, From 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.

Anoka County, MN – The Anoka County Government Center will host its last blood drive of the year on Thursday, December 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering residents an opportunity to make a life-saving contribution to patients in need. The event, coordinated by the American Red Cross, encourages community members to donate whole blood, a vital resource for hospitals and medical centers across the region.

Event Details

The Whole Blood Donation Process

A whole blood donation involves giving approximately one pint of blood, which contains red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma.

• Duration: The blood draw itself typically takes 8–10 minutes, while the total process — including registration, screening, donation, and post-donation refreshments — takes about one hour.
• Procedure: Donors are comfortably seated or lying down while a sterile, single-use needle collects the blood.
• Replenishment: Plasma is replaced within about 24 hours, while red blood cells take four to six weeks for complete replenishment.

Eligibility & Donation Frequency

Blood donation is generally safe for most healthy adults. According to the American Red Cross:

• Donors must be in good health and feeling well.
• Minimum weight: 110 pounds.
• Minimum age: 17 years old in most states (16 with parental consent in some states).
• Frequency: Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, up to six times per year.
• Donors should bring a photo ID, donor card, or two other forms of identification.

Preparing for Your Donation

To ensure a smooth and safe donation experience:

• Rest: Get at least eight hours of sleep the night before.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids prior to your appointment.
• Eat: Have a healthy meal, avoiding high-fat foods.
• Identification: Bring your photo ID.
• RapidPass®: Complete the health history questionnaire online to save time at the drive.

After donating, take time for refreshments, drink extra fluids, and avoid heavy lifting or vigorous activity for the rest of the day.

Why Your Donation Matters

Whole blood donations are a critical component of healthcare, providing life-saving support for surgeries, trauma recovery, chronic illnesses, and emergency care. This year-end drive helps ensure a strong and steady blood supply heading into 2026, and community participation can make a tangible difference in local patient care.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about eligibility, visit the American Red Cross website at www.redcrossblood.org.

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