Citizens urged to donate blood

By Sidney Bartee

An Albany blood drive is set for today, Aug. 5.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The blood center offers COVID-19 antibody testing at no charge to those who successfully donate.

The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals.

The Kiwanis Club blood drives are scheduled roughly every eight weeks throughout the year.

The last blood drive was held on June 10, and the next one is set for Sept. 30.

Local Kiwanians urge community members to donate blood to help ensure patients in the hospitals served have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occues.

Those who have eligibility questions can call 325-670-2880.