Blood draws begin this weekend

Each year, Crook County Medical Services District offers community members a chance to invest in their own health. Simply visit one of the designated blood draw locations this April and receive a full health screening at the annual health fair on May 1.

The main health fair panel, which costs $40, includes a number of tests that would cost a patient over $800 if performed separately. These provide an overall profile of your health that gives you an overview of the condition of your organ systems. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and cholesterol labs are also included.

New this year is a test that will determine whether you currently have antibodies against COVID-19 within your immune system. These develop after being exposed to or infected with a virus and can help you fight off new infections, and are believed to linger for several months once developed.

At this time, it is unknown how long COVID-19 antibodies last. Studies have suggested immunity may continue for anywhere between three and six months, but research into this question is ongoing.

The COVID-19 antibody screen costs $60 and can be requested alongside your health fair panel. Additional extras include a hemoglobin A1C for $30, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the last two to three months, and an anemia profile for $40.

Blood draw attendees may also request a thyroid function panel for $50, a vitamin D test for $40 or a blood type test for $35.

Draws this year will take place on specific mornings throughout the county, including April 3, 10 and 17 in Sundance at Central Office between 7 and 10 a.m.; April 8 and 15 in Moorcroft from 7 to 9 a.m. at the clinic; April 6 and 13 in Hulett from 7 to 10 a.m. at the senior center; April 22 in Pine Haven from 7 to 9 a.m. at the community center; April 23 at the Aladdin community center from 7 to 9 a.m.; April 21 at the Beulah community center from 7 to 9 a.m.; and April 14 at the Colony community center from 8 to 10 a.m.

CCMSD requests that you drink plenty of fluids the day before your draw. However, do not consume food or drink (except water) for 10 to 12 hours beforehand for best results.

Medications may be taken as usual. Please do not attend if you have cold or flu symptoms and a face mask will be required upon entering the building.

The results of your blood draw can be mailed to you, but will also be available for pick-up at the health fair on May 1. CCMSD recommends discussing the results with your primary healthcare provider, who will be able to interpret them for you and provide information about any early warning signs or indicators of health issues.