Blood Drive Planned for Friday at Community Center

Red Cross officials are reaching out to residents to participate in a blood drive scheduled for Friday at the

The need for blood is critical, especially prior to and on the July 4 holiday, Donna Onwona, account representative for the Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services for the American Red Cross said. 

“On holiday weekends, we often times see a spike in need for blood at hospitals,” she said. “And to complicate things further, many of our regular donors are taking vacations.

This is a time of year is very challenging and we really appreciate seeing first time donors and those we might not see on a regular basis to help us bridge the gap and collect enough blood.”

The blood drive will be held from 10 to 4 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of the community center. Walk-in donors are welcomed and appreciated, but Red Cross officials prefer that appointments are made by calling 1-800REDCROSS.

There will be a second opportunity to donate blood on Saturday in Haymarket, Onwona said. The Red Cross will host a blood drive at Giant food store in Dominion Valley from 9 to 3 p.m., she said. All donors will receive a insulated tumbler from the Red Cross as a gift.