Blood donations

The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region of the American Red Cross is requesting blood donations. Eligible donors can call 800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment. Platelet donors should call 800-272-2123.

Healthy Families gets grant

A $1,500 grant has been awarded to the Healthy Families Howard County program at Howard County General Hospital by the Columbia Foundation. HFHC is a free and voluntary program for first-time parents. It assists with community resources and offers support to ease the parents' transition through pregnancy and into the first five years of parenthood. Qualifying participants in the program may opt to receive home visitation and referrals from Family and Children's Services of Central Maryland.