Give the gift of life this Christmas

Giving blood can be the first step into a world where accident victims, premature babies, and those facing cancer receive the care they need to help them survive.

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at West Central Area Secondary School, in Barrett, on Thursday, December 16, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

To schedule a donation, go to: <www.redcrossblood.org> and put “West Central” in the sponsor code box. Then select the time you want to donate.

If you donate, you can receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card, plus you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a private hometown screening of The Matrix Resurrections for you and 60 guests.

Don’t worry, you may still donate after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, but knowing the name of the manufacturer of your vaccine is critical in determining your blood donation eligibility.

The American Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. For the safety of donors and staff. The Red Cross will require all those at blood drives to wear face masks, regardless of their vaccination status.

     Vaccinations/booster

Have you gotten your COVID-19 vaccine and/or booster yet? If not, give yourself and your loved ones a Christmas present and get these life-saving shots. It’s easy to set up an appointment with Horizon Public Health, who sponsor Vaccine Clinics in its Elbow Lake, Wheaton, Alexandria, Morris, and Glenwood sites.

Go to the HPH website at <www.horizonpublichealth.org>, click on the COVID-19 vaccine button, and you will see a list of upcoming clinics. Pick a location and date and click to register. You can also call most Horizon Public Health locations to make an appointment.  So far, there are reservation openings for the Elbow Lake clinics on Thursday, December 9 and Thursday, January 13, 2022, but you can also reserve a spot at the Glenwood, Alexandria, Wheaton,  or Morris clinics.

Many pharmacies in the area, such as Thrifty Drug in Fergus Falls, Alexandria, and Morris, are also giving COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. You can easily book a reservation time from their websites.