Local4 You Blood Drive happening October 8

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - The America Red Cross is reaching out to people in the tri-cities to lend a hand (and an arm) to replenish the national blood supply.

Three locations around Hastings, Grand Island and Kearney will host the KSNB Local4 Blood Drive on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

The blood drive will be held from Noon to 6 p.m. at the following locations:

First Saint Paul's Lutheran Church (501 N. Burlington, Hastings, NE)

Calvary Lutheran Church (1304 N. Custer, Grand Island, NE)

Ft. Kearney Chapter (520 W. 48th St., Kearney, NE)

There are several ways all eligible donors can make an appointment to donate:

Visit RedCrossBlood.org

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Download the free Red Cross Blood Donor app

Use sponsor code KSNB Local4

Use Rapid Pass to save time at your donation. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to access.

All who come to give will receive a Red Cross Blood Donation T-shirt, while supplies last. Additionally, all presenting donors will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email.

Don't wait until there's a crisis to donate blood. One in 7 patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion.

Blood transfusions are one of the most common hospital procedures in the U.S., yet only 3% of the public gives blood.

Unlike other treatments, blood cannot be stockpiled or manufactured − it can only come from volunteer blood donors.

How to prepare yourself for a successful blood donation:

Donors are encouraged to drink plenty of water before and after giving blood.

Eat a healthy meal with iron-rich foods like red meat, beans or spinach before your donation. Avoid fatty foods if possible.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Power Red donors can give every 112 days.

It's the blood products on the shelves today that help save lives in an emergency.