NORWICH- Norwich Rotary is once again presenting the Annual Blood Screening on Saturday, October 9th, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. This will be the 35th annual event. It was not held last year due to COVID. Thanks to the generosity of the YMCA, the screening is again in their facility’s community room, as it has been previously.

Registration for the screening is by telephone only. Call AMBA Wellness Programs toll free 1-800-234-8888 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Per provider guidelines, the fee which is payable at the event, must be paid with two separate checks. The first fee, in the amount of $41.00, is payable to AMBA and covers a panel of approximately 40 tests (screening and blood work). The second fee, in the amount of $10, is payable to Norwich Rotary, the event sponsor. There are additional screenings available for an additional fee, so the total cost may vary depending upon the particular screenings each person chooses. Included will be a “to go” bag breakfast to be given to each individual after the blood is drawn. They are asked to wait in their vehicle for 15 minutes to assure no adverse reactions. It’s important to remember that fasting 12 to 14 hours before the test is required.

Check with your health care provider regarding taking any prescribed morning medications. Also, remember this screening is not meant to replace your annual physical. Ron Cerow is Rotary’s chairperson for this event.

He stated, “The annual blood screening has been a very popular program over the past 34 years. It is always well attended by the public and it is anticipated that this year will be no exception. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity as part of a good annual personal health care program. We also encourage everyone, whether participating in the blood screening or not, to use this event as a reminder to call your health care provider and schedule your annual physical exam.

Each person’s screening results will be forwarded to their designated health care provider. Providers will review results and contact patients directly when test results indicate the need for a follow up visit.