The American Red Cross Blood Services, Alabama and central Gulf coast region, which supplies blood to about 100 hospitals, needs 600 blood donors each day to meet the needs of patients in the region. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.

If you plan on giving blood, prepare yourself for the process:

Double your fluid intake in the 48 hours leading up to the drive.

Eat a nutritious meal the night before, as well as the day of, the blood drive.

Eat iron-rich foods such as lean beef, broccoli, eggs, greens, shrimp or dried beans.

Consume foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, cabbage, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.

Get a good night’s sleep before the drive.

Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets.

There are two blood drives planned for Covington County in the month of March:

Florala High School will have a blood drive Wed., March 18, from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., in the high school gym.

Red Level High School will have a blood drive Thurs., March 26, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., in the high school gym.