Blood drives to take place in Douglas County during July

Every two seconds, someone needs blood, from heart transplant and cancer patients to accident victims in crises. Memorial Blood Centers faces a demand of more than 2,700 units a week to meet the needs of more than 30 health care partners in the area. Making a blood donation is one way to give a potentially life-saving gift to friends, family and community.

Three blood drives will be held in Douglas County in July to give everyone the chance to give the gift of life.

Blood drives will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12 at the National Bank of Commerce, 1127 Tower Ave., Superior; from 2-6 p.m. July 16 at Gordon/Wascott EMS, 14511 South Highway 53, Gordon; and from 12:30-4:30 p.m. July 30 at Solon Springs High School, 8993 E. Baldwin Ave.

Donors must be in good health, 17 years or older, free of antibiotics for 24 hours unless taken daily for skin condition, symptom-free for at least three days following a cold or flu. Sixteen-year-olds can donate blood with written parental consent. There are specific height and weight restrictions for 16-18-year-old female donors.

While walk-in donors are always welcome, appointments can be made in advance online at MBC.org or by contacting the sponsoring organization directly.

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