According to the American Red Cross someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. In fact, because blood donations were not meeting high medical demands, the American Red Cross issued an emergency call for eligible individuals over the summer. It is this need around the country and specifically in our community that prompted Houska Automotive to use the theme, “Just What the Doctor Ordered. Blood Needed STAT” for their blood drive this year. The 18th annual Blood Drive will take place on Friday, October 25 from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Garth Englund Blood Center, located at 1025 Pennock Place in Fort Collins.
“We are relying on the goodwill of the generous Northern Colorado community to help us meet the needs of our local hospitals,” said Dennis Houska, owner and president of Houska Automotive. “This is an easy way to help a neighbor or loved one in the community during an emergency.”
There is even further incentive to donate. Participants who donate a pint of blood will receive a gift card for a pint of ale at CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing.
To be eligible to give blood, donors must be at least 18 years old, or 17 with a parent’s permission, and show photo identification. New donors must weigh at least 120 pounds and be in good health. Prior donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. For more information on regulations, visit the UCHealth website.
Donating blood has been a longtime commitment for the Houska family and just one of the many ways they give back to the community. Dennis began donating blood at the Garth Englund Blood Center in 1978. Their annual blood drive has brought in more than 600 blood donations and new donors.
Our friends at Morning Fresh Dairy Farm are also doing their part to help fill medical needs in the community. They are encouraging the public to join the Be the Match registry at their Moo-nster Match Halloween event. Founder Dr. Robert C. Graves created Be The Match, a national bone marrow registry, trying to save his daughter’s life. Now, it’s the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. While you’re visiting, make sure to enjoy all the Halloween festivities and treats, including trick or treating, tours around the dairy, yard games, milk samples, and more! The Moo-nster Match takes place on Saturday, October 26 from 10 am- 4 pm at the Morning Fresh Dairy Farm, 5821 W. County Rd 54E in Bellvue. Visit here to sign up for the tour and learn more about the event.