Do good this summer by donating whole blood, platelets, or AB plasma at one of the several blood drives scheduled around Chenango County. (Image from RedCrossBlood.org)

CHENANGO COUNTY — Join the American Red Cross in doing good this summer by donating blood, platelets, or AB plasma.

The Red Cross has several blood drives scheduled in Chenango County through the month of June, where donors can provide whole blood, Power Red, and plasma donations.

The next drive is on Wednesday, June 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Sherburne Fire Department, located at 15 West State Street in Sherburne.

On Thursday, June 20, a blood drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at the South New Berlin Fire Department, located at 3519 State Highway 8 in South New Berlin.

Or, swing by the Church of the Immaculate Conception, located at 1180 State Highway 206 in Greene, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26 to donate.

Individuals who donate through June 30 are eligible to receive a $15 e-gift card when they donate blood, platelets, or AB elite plasma.

Whole blood donation is described by the American Red Cross as "the most flexible type of donation. It can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets."

Whole blood is often used to help trauma patients and individuals undergoing surgery. A whole blood donation takes about an hour, and all blood types are eligible for donation. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, up to six times per year.

Power Red donations are a donation of a concentrated dose of red blood cells, which are used for transfusions, trauma patients, newborns, people with sickle cell anemia, and anyone suffering blood loss. The Red Cross said during a Power Red donation, "uses an automated process that separates your red blood cells from the other blood components, and then safely and comfortably returns your plasma and platelets to you."

Power Red donation takes about an hour and a half, and is suitable for O-positive, O-negative, A-negative, and B-negative blood types. Power Red donations can be given every 112 days, up to three times per year.

Plasma donations, or AB Elite donations, collects plasma to treat patients in emergency situations. The Red Cross said AB plasma can be given to anyone regardless of blood type, and takes just a few minutes longer than a whole blood donation. Ideal blood types for AB Elite donation include AB-positive and AB-negative. AB Elite donations can be given every 28 days, up to 13 times per year.

For more information on height and weight requirements for blood donation, visit RedCrossBlood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/types-of-blood-donations.html.

To make an appointment to donate blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

To prepare for a blood donation, the American Red Cross recommends eating iron-rich foods such as spinach, meat, fish, poultry, beans, iron-fortified cereals, and raisins. They also encourage donors to get a good night's sleep before the day of donation, and to drink plenty of water.

On the day of donation, it's recommended to drink an extra 16 ounces of water, avoid fatty foods, wear a shirt with sleeves that can be easily rolled up above the elbows, let a nurse know if there is a particular arm or vein that has been used to successfully draw blood in the past, and relax during donation by listening to music, talking to other donors, or reading.

Additionally, donors can start Rapid Pass the day of their donation to expedite the process. Donors should also bring their donor card and driver's license, or two other forms of identification, the day of their appointment, as well as a list of all current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications they're taking.

After donating, the Red Cross recommends eating a snack, hydrating, eating iron-rich foods, and avoiding heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day. Donors should also sit or lie down if they experience any dizziness or lightheadedness after donation, and avoid activities that may lead to fainting for the next 24 hours.

Call the American Red Cross at 1-866-236-3276 to report any additional health information that was forgotten during donation, and if a donor experiences any problems or needed medical care after giving blood.

More information on what to do before, during, and after a blood donation can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after.html.