Blood drive scheduled at Folsom Public Library

Vitalant will hold a community blood drive at the Folsom Public Library meeting room on Tuesday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Summer is the peak season for life saving blood transfusions and medical centers need healthy donors to ensure there are enough resources available in the community. To entice people to donate, Vitalant says donors will be eligible to receive a $15 gift card though the Vitalant rewards program. Also, Vitalant is offering an additional promotion: Each blood drive participant will receive a voucher for two tickets to a Sacramento River Cats baseball game! Donors will be able to choose which game they want to attend. Community members are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance, although walk-ins will also be accepted as space allows. Registrations can be made at donors.vitalant.org (enter blood drive code SMFD327) or call Vitalant at 877-258-4825 and mention the blood drive code. Blood drives help meet the community need for lifesaving transfusions. Demand for blood bank services peaks in the summer months but is in demand all year round. A single blood donation can be used for up to three lifesaving treatments. If you would like to give blood, but August 27 does not work for your schedule, you can donate by appointment 7 days a week at Vitalant's Folsom location at 150 Natoma Station Dr #500. To be eligible to donate, whole blood donors must be at least 16 years old and there is no upper age limit. 16-year-olds must have a signed Vitalant parental consent form available online at Vitalant.org. Donors must weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be in good general health, and bring a photo I.D. Visit vitalant.org for more information on eligibility. Eligibility questions can also be directed to Vitalant at 877-258-4825. The Folsom Public Library is the busiest library in Sacramento County and serves as a community hub for learning and events. The Library circulates over 500,000 items annually. The Folsom Public Library offers storytimes, book clubs, author events, free Wi-Fi and computers, printing, and convenient places to work or study. Visit www.folsom.ca.us/library for current hours and information. The Folsom Public Library is located at 411 Stafford St., Folsom, CA, 95630.