The Red Cross will be coming back to Nelson on Friday, Sept.18. They will be at the City Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

To schedule an appointment go to www.redcrossblood.org, call 800-733-2767 or call Sally Uhrmacher at 402-225-4292.

To check with the Red Cross to see if you are eligible because of travel, health or medication issues, call 866-236-3276. Some of the restrictions have “lessened,” so if you weren’t eligible in the past, you may be now.  

The Red Cross is trying to maintain a safe environment during the donation process.  They will be doing a temperature check at the front door and donors will be required to wear a mask. Masks will be available. Donors are required to have an appointment. Try to keep the appointed time to keep the flow of donors to a minimum. Walk-ins will be worked in as possible.

If you have never donated before, maybe it’s time you start. As long as you are in good health, you are never too old. Sixteen year olds are eligible to come with parental consent. Regular blood donors can donate every eight weeks or 56 days. Power Red donors are eligible every 16 weeks or 112 days.  

The Red Cross is also doing antibody testing, which will let you know if you have been exposed to the coronavirus. You will receive the results of this test within 7 to 10 days after your donation.