MENDOTA – OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, Jan. 11 from noon to 5 p.m. in Conference Room C at OSF Saint Paul, 1401 E. 12^th St., Mendota.

Donating is easier than ever with the Blood Donor App and Rapid Pass. With the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, donors can conveniently schedule and manage donation appointments, access their donor card, track the impact of their donations and earn rewards. Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questions online at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass before coming to their appointments.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger must also meet certain height and weight requirements.

For the optimum blood donation experience, be sure to drink plenty of fluids the day before donating. It is best to give blood on a full stomach. Donors are encouraged to eat iron-rich foods including dark green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, raisins, tomato juice and whole grain breads/noodles.

For more information or to schedule a donation time, call the Community Health Services Department, weekdays at (815) 539-1411. Walk-ins are welcome.