The American Red Cross is asking everyone to Pay it Forward This Spring by donating blood. You never know when disaster will strike. It can affect you, your family, your neighbors or your community. During times of distress, there’s one thing that remains constant – the need for help.
 The Tennessee Valley Blood Services Regions needs to collect approximately 600 pints of blood each week day to meet the needs of patients in the 60 local hospitals it serves.
 Just as the need for help remains constant, so does the need for blood. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. More than 44,000 units of blood are needed each day to treat patients at U.S. hospitals.
 A blood drive for the American Red Cross is scheduled for next Wednesday, May 8, at McMinnville Civic Center from 1 to 7 p.m.
Tips for a safe, successful and pleasant blood donation :
 • Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron-rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals and raisins.
 • Get a good night’s sleep before donation day.
 • Drink an extra 16 ounces of water or nonalcoholic fluids before the donation.
 • Eat a healthy meal before your donation. Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries or ice cream before donating. Fatty foods can affect the tests we do on your blood. If there is too much fat in your blood, your donation cannot be tested for infectious diseases and the blood will not be used for transfusion.
 • Remember to bring your donor card, driver license or two other forms of ID.
 • Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
 • Take the time to enjoy a snack and a drink in the refreshments area immediately after donating.