The following locations in Polk County will host blood drives through the American Red Cross this month:

Monday, Sept. 17

12:30 to 5 p.m.

Holy Cross Episcopal Church fellowship hall

150 Melrose Ave., Tryon

Thursday, Sept. 27

9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Saluda fellowship hall

213 Henderson St., Saluda

Thursday, Sept. 27

2 to 6:30 p.m. 

American Red Cross Polk Office, Womack Building — EMO Room

40 Courthouse Square, Columbus

  To make an appointment or to learn more, people may download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, people may follow the instructions at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. 

A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

– Submitted by Beth-Ann Whicker