Edmunds County Tribune -

The Ipswich Lions will sponsor a blood drive on Thursday, Jan. 20 at Father Bormann Hall from 12 to 4:30 p.m.

Donors can make an appointment to give blood online at http://www.vitalant.org or by calling (877) 258-4825.

First time donors are always welcome.

Before you donate:

• Eat a healthy, low-fat meal within two hours of your donation. The day before, eat a salty snack. When you donate blood, you lose about a gram of salt. Replacing it ahead of time helps keep your blood pressure normal.

• Hydrate by drinking 8 to 16 ounces of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages one hour before you donate. Water is a great choice.

• Avoid/limit caffeinated sodas, coffee, iced tea and energy drinks on the day of donation.

Face coverings are required and appointments are encouraged to keep donors socially distanced.

There is no substitute for human blood, so volunteer blood donors are vital to ensure a safe blood supply for the community.

The blood donation process takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate on http://www.vitalant.org/health.