CHENANGO COUNTY — Save a life by donating blood this May at one of several American Red Cross blood drives across Chenango County.

There is currently a critical need for blood donors, according to the American Red Cross. Donating blood can help patients with cancer, sickle cell anemia, chronic diseases, burns, and who have experienced a traumatic injury.

At Chenango County blood drives, donors can give whole blood or Power Red donations. According to the American Red Cross, "Whole blood is the most flexible type of donation. It can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets."

Power Red donations involve giving a concentrated dose of red blood cells. This type of donation separates red blood cells from other blood components, then returns plasma and platelets to the donor. Red blood cells are commonly used for patients needing transfusions.

Before donating blood, the American Red Cross recommends making an appointment, and download the Blood Donor app to receive appointment reminders and set up a RapidPass to expedite donation.

Donors are also encouraged to eat iron-rich foods the day before donation, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals, or raisins. Donors should also get a good night's sleep the night before donation, eat healthy foods, and drink extra liquids.

On the day of donation, the American Red Cross recommends drinking an extra 16 ounces of water or other non-alcoholic beverage before donating, and eating a healthy meal and avoiding fatty foods such as hamburgers, fries, or ice cream.

To make blood donation more comfortable, donors should also wear a shirt with sleeves that can roll up above the elbow, let volunteers know if they have a preferred arm or vein to draw blood, and relax during their donation by listening to music, reading, or talking to other donors.

Blood donors can also use Applied Muscle Tension (AMT) to make their donation more comfortable. The American Red Cross says AMT is "a series of simple exercises that help your blood pressure stay up and improve blood flow, so your chance of experiencing any side effects, like fainting, stays low. These exercises can be performed throughout your donation and afterwards in the refreshment area."

After donating blood, individuals can relax in the refreshment and recovery area, where snacks will be provided. The American Red Cross also advises donors to drink an extra four, eight-ounce glasses of liquids and avoid alcohol over the next 24 hours after donation.

Donors should avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for the rest of the day, and keep their strip bandage on the needle site for the next several hours. If the needle site starts to bleed, the Red Cross advises to apply pressure and raise the arm straight up for 5 to 10 minutes or until bleeding stops.

Individuals should also continue to eat iron-rich foods, and keep an eye out for any dizziness or lightheadedness. If this occurs, sit or lie down until the dizziness stops, and avoid performing any activity where fainting may lead to injury for at least 24 hours after donating blood.

Call 1-866-236-3276 after donating to report any additional health information, with any problems or concerns, or if medical care is needed after giving blood.

More information on donating blood and upcoming blood drives can be found at RedCrossBlood.org.

Chenango County blood drives in the month of May:

Thursday, May 1: 12 to 5 p.m. at the Achieve Envisions Center, located at 27 Griffin Street in Norwich.

Monday, May 5: 1 to 6 p.m. at the Norwich VFW Post 2782, located at 61 East Main Street in Norwich.

Wednesday, May 7: 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, located at 1180 State Highway 206 in Greene.

Saturday, May 10: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 376, located at 17 South Washington Street in Oxford.

Thursday, May 22: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the NYS Veterans Home, located at 4207 NY-220 in Oxford.

Tuesday, May 27: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Guernsey Memorial Library, located at 3 Court Street in Norwich.