Blood donation saves lives — which is why Hydrate Medical, a lifestyle IV hydration company focused on health, wellness, and recovery, is teaming up with The Blood Connection for a blood drive on March 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interested donors can either walk in or schedule their blood donation appointment ahead of time. 

Everyone who donates will receive a Luck O’ the Donor scratch-off card that reveals a $10 prize.  

The Blood Connection’s mission is to support health care partners with adequate, safe, cost-effective blood supplies and services.  

As written on their website, “When we share blood, healing happens, individuals thrive, and families remain whole. Giving blood enriches our life experience, casting aside our differences to link the human race through a common, natural bond.” 

For those of you who are planning to donate, here are some tips for before and after your donation — courtesy of the American Red Cross. 

Before you donate: 

• Eat iron-rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals or raisins. 
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before your donation. 
• Ask a friend to donate at the same time. You can support each other and do twice as much good!
• Be ready to provide a list of medications you are currently taking. 
• Drink an extra 16 ounces of water (or other nonalcoholic drink) before your appointment. 
• Wear a shirt with sleeves that you can roll up above your elbows. 
• Bring a photo ID. 
• Let them know if you have a preferred arm or particular vein that has been used successfully in the past to draw blood. 
• Relax, listen to music, talk to other donors, or read while you donate. 

 After you donate: 

• Relax for a few minutes in the refreshment and recovery area and have some cookies or other snacks — you’ve earned it! 
• Drink an extra four 8-ounce glasses of liquids and avoid alcohol over the next 24 hours. 
• Keep the strip bandage on for the next several hours; to avoid a skin rash, clean the area around the bandage with soap and water. 
• Don’t do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day. 
• If the needle site starts to bleed, apply pressure and raise your arm straight up for 5-10 minutes or until bleeding stops.