The Vitalant Bloodmobile visits the City of Santa Maria for a community blood-drive event

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The City of Santa Maria is hosting a blood drive Thursday with the Vitalant Bloodmobile.

The community is welcome to donate blood. Many city employees will be there donating.

While donations of all blood types are encouraged, donors with Type O-negative blood are especially needed.

O-negative red cells can be transfused to anyone. O-negative red blood cells are often used to help patients when there is no time to determine the patient’s blood type.

Blood donation is a community responsibility. Donated blood can help a family member, a friend, a surgery patient, someone with cancer, a burn victim, or a newborn.

Donating takes a short time and will help save lives.

To prepare for a donation, eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of water and bring a photo ID.

The blood drive will be held at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center parking lot, on 600 South McClelland Street.

Donors can give blood from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

To sign up or reserve a time go to: www.tinyurl.com.

Donors may also contact 877-258-4825 to make an appointment.

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