MONROE — The American Red Cross has scheduled four blood drives in Union County and one in Anson County during this holiday season.

All are open to the public and no appointment is necessary, but an appointment can shorten the donation time. To make an appointment, call 704-283-7402.

Union County drives will be:

• Dec. 6, noon to 4:30 p.m., Faith United Methodist Church, 3708 Faith Church Road, Indian Trail.

• Dec. 11, 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Monroe, 109 Morrow Ave., Monroe, sponsored by Lions Club of Monroe.

• Dec. 17, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., District Court judge’s office, 400 N. Main St., Monroe.

• Dec. 21. 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Hopewell Baptist Church, 420 Hopewell Church Road, Monroe.

Anson County’s blood drive is December 17, 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., New Home Baptist Church, 1617 New Home Church Road in Peachland.

New guidelines

In August, the Red Cross implemented new donor eligibility guidelines for teens 18 and younger to better protect teen-age donors. These candidates now follow a weight and height requirement as a safety measurement. The new criteria apply to all high school students, regardless of their age, who donate at high school blood drives and to all donors 18 and younger at other blood drive settings.

Young donors are more likely to experience a reaction after giving whole blood than older donors. Most reactions are minor symptoms, such as dizziness or light-headedness, but fainting and more serious injuries can occur.

Young donors are more likely to have a reaction if they have a low blood volume. A person’s blood volume depends on their gender, height and weight. The new guideline is an effort to ensure that people who qualify for blood donation will lose only a relatively small amount of their total blood volume.

The new criteria:

• Boys who are 5 feet or taller must weigh at least 110 pounds

• Girls who are 5 feet 6 inches or taller must weigh at least 110 pounds

• The weight criteria are different for both boys and girls who are shorter than the above heights.

High school donors are eligible to donate at 16 with parental consent, which must be in writing and verified. Those 17 and 18 can donate without parental consent.

For more information on these blood drives or to schedule a blood drive, contact the American Red Cross, Union County chapter, at 704-283-7402.