Barrington Countryside Fire District hosts blood drive Saturday

A community blood drive Saturday hosted by the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District will help replenish depleted supplies of lifesaving blood, plasma, and other blood products used by hospitals, paramedics, and area healthcare providers.

The event, co-sponsored by Vitalant, will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, at BCFPD Station 38, 22222 N Pepper Road, Lake Barrington.

To schedule an appointment, call (877) 258-4825 or visit vitalant.org and use group code ORD0763A. Walk-ins are welcome. All donors must wear face coverings.

Community members planning to give blood should eat a healthy, low-fat meal within two hours of donation time and a salty snack the day before to help maintain healthy blood pressure. Stay hydrated by drinking 8 to 16 ounces of water one hour before the donation and avoid or limit caffeinated sodas, coffee, tea, or energy drinks on the day of donation.