Prior Lake, MN - During the holiday season folks are busy shopping, wrapping presents, baking, decorating, sledding, attending school and church functions, and visiting relatives. Sometimes the urgent need for blood is overlooked during this hectic time. But it only takes one hour to give one pint of blood which could potentially save as many as four lives.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community will hold a special request holiday blood drive Tuesday, December 12, 2006, from noon to 7:00 p.m. at Dakotah! Sport and Fitness. Because life is so precious to us all, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, as an active participant in the local community, holds several blood drives each year to help save lives. The SMSC has sponsored blood drives for about 15 years.

More than 90% of Americans will require a blood transfusion for themselves or an immediate family member sometime in their life. Since blood is perishable and cannot be synthetically created, new donations are always needed. All blood types are needed, especially those which are less common. During the holidays the need for blood is especially critical since people don't typically donate blood during this time.

In order to give blood you need to be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years old, and not have donated blood in the last 56 days. Other health matters are discussed as part of the health history and brief examination. If you have received a tattoo, then you are ineligible to donate for one year.

If you are planning to give blood, it is recommended that you get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, drink plenty of water (avoid tea, coffee, or pop with caffeine), and eat iron-rich foods like red meat, fish, poultry, liver, beans, raisins, prunes, or iron-fortified cereals. Be sure and wear clothing that can be raised above the elbow. Afterwards, have a beverage and snack and avoid strenuous exercise for five hours.

If you would like to make an appointment to give blood during the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's holiday blood drive, please call SMSC Benefits Coordinator Sue Johnson at 952-496-6195 to register. A limited number of walk-ins will also be able to donate their blood at this blood drive.