Health events
Most support groups, clinics and health classes are canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New to Medicare
WILLMAR — There are important decisions that need to be made when you become eligible for Medicare. Making the wrong decision can lead to not having any or enough health care coverage and lead to financial penalties. Senior LinkAge Line will have a virtual class from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21. Topics will include a comprehensive introduction to Medicare including what Medicare covers, supplemental insurance and Part D prescription coverage. During the class you will learn the Medicare enrollment details, how to get the most from your benefits and how to research your Medicare plan options using the Medicare.gov site. Please contact Senior Linkage Line at 1-800-333-2433 to sign up for the class, as space is limited.
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross conducts blood drives in the west central area. To give blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Sixteen-year-olds may if they have a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form. You can give blood every 56 days. Double red cells can be donated every 112 days. While all blood types are needed, type O and type B-negative donors are especially encouraged to give.
Appointments can be made at 1-800-RED-CROSS or online at www.redcrossblood.org unless otherwise noted. All donors need acceptable identification. The preferred form is a government-issued picture identification, such as a driver’s license, or a Red Cross blood donor card. Otherwise you will need to provide two other forms of identification, such as a work identification, Social Security card, personal check or credit card. Personalized mail such as a utility bill will not be accepted.
As of Monday morning the following drives in the next two weeks were on the Red Cross website.
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May 5, Lake Lillian: 2 to 7 p.m., United Lutheran Church
May 6, Dawson: 1 to 7 p.m., Community Center
May 7, Madison: Noon to 6 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church
May 7-8, Benson: 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 7; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 8, Benson Armory
May 7-8, Litchfield: 1 to 7 p.m. May 7; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 8, Cornerstone Church
May 13, Spicer: 1 to 7 p.m., American Legion
May 14, Willmar: 7 to 11 a.m., Minnesota Department of Transportation office
