Prior Lake, Minnesota - For one hour of your time, you could help save as many as four lives by giving blood. All blood types are needed throughout the year, especially those that are less common. More than 90% of Americans will need a blood transfusion sometime in their life.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, as an active participant in the local community, holds several blood drives each year to help save lives. The SMSC has sponsored blood drives for nineteen years.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community will hold their summer blood drive on Tuesday August 14, 2007, at Dakotah! Sport and Fitness from noon to 7:00 p.m. The general public is invited to participate in this blood drive.

In order to give blood, you need to be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years old, and not have donated blood in the last 56 days. You must also be free of cold and flu symptoms for at least three days. Other health matters are discussed as part of the health history and brief examination. If you have received a tattoo, you are ineligible to donate for one year.

If you are planning to give blood, it is recommended that you get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, drink plenty of water (avoid tea, coffee, or pop with caffeine), and eat iron-rich foods like red meat, fish, poultry, liver, beans, raisins, prunes, or iron-fortified cereals. Be sure and wear clothing that can be raised above the elbow. Afterwards, have a beverage and a snack and avoid strenuous exercise for the next five hours.

If you would like to make an appointment to give blood, please call SMSC Health Department Benefits Manager Sue Johnson at 952-496-6195 to register. Walk-ins are also welcome and will be accommodated if at all possible.

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