BLOOD DRIVES THIS WEEK

Desert Blood Services is conducting three blood donation events locally this week: Tuesday, July 24, at Little Church of the Desert in Twentynine Palms, from 2 to 6 p.m.; Wednesday, July 25, at Hi-Desert Medical Center, from 10 to 2; and at Vons in Yucca Valley, also on Wednesday the 25th, from 2 to 6 p.m. Donors will receive incentives and Gift of Life Donor Loyalty points. Healthy individuals at least 15 years old may donate blood. All prospective donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not be at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. Donors receive a free mini-physical as part of the donation process. Donating blood takes about an hour, yet gives someone a lifetime. For more information, call 800-777-4484 or visit desertbloodservices.org.