American Red Cross Blood Services of the Alabama and central Gulf coast region, which supplies blood to approximately 100 hospitals, needs 800 blood donors each day to meet the needs of patients in the region. Next week, there will be an opportunity for people in Covington County to do their part to meet this great need.

Andalusia Regional Hospital will host a blood drive on Thurs., Jan. 15, from noon to 5 p.m.

To give blood, a donor must weigh at least 110 pounds, must be at least 17 years old and must be in general good health. All donors must bring a photo ID or American Red Cross donor card with them to the blood drive for identification purposes.

If you plan on giving blood:

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

Eat a nutritious meal the night before, as well as on 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.