Ottawa County hospitals contract with the American Red Cross to supply blood needed by their patients.  A careful health screening with a blood pressure, pulse, temperature and hemoglobin will be done.  Michigan law permits 16-year olds to give with signed parental consent.  Download a form at www.redcrossblood.org/students/sixteen/greatlakes.  Certain height and weight restrictions apply.  A donor card or driver's license is required of all donors.  Good hydration and a meal four hours or less before giving blood is recommended.  About one pint of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm.  You may walk in between 11:30 a.m.  and 5:15 p.m. or call 1-800-REDCROSS for an appointment.