Donate blood July 12 at Maidu Community Blood Drive, enjoy State Fair

Nonprofit Vitalant is urging all eligible volunteer blood donors to help prevent a summer shortage by giving blood at the Maidu Community Blood Drive on Friday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1550 Maidu Center Dr. in Roseville. Donations before and after July 4 are typically among the lowest of the year but patients' needs don't take a vacation. Accidents happen. Childbirth complications occur. Cancer diagnoses arrive. All which may require blood transfusions as a critical part of patient care. It is the blood already collected, tested and on the shelves at hospitals that save the lives of people coming in the emergency room doors. Donors will receive one admission ticket to the 2024 California State Fair at Cal Expo that runs from July 12-28. Schedule a lifesaving appointment at Vitalant.org/maidu. Walk-ins are welcomed. As the heat continues, continue to hydrate well before the blood drive. Know that blood donation is safe and essential in any weather, including extreme heat. The blood donation venue at Maidu Community Center is well air-conditioned and the cool air will feel delightful as donors relax, knowing their blood donation will help someone experiencing medical difficulties. In just an hour, a blood donor can help give a lifetime to someone in need. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O, the most transfused blood type. O-negative can be used to help any patient in an emergency and O-positive can help any patient with a positive blood type. Also, as a special thanks for donating from July 8-27, donors will be automatically entered into Vitalant's Summer Car Giveaway of a vehicle valued up to $30,000. Download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).