Blood drives are considered an essential service, and blood donations are way down due to the public’s fear of coronavirus. Blood is desperately needed; a blood drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 24, at the “old” Stater Brothers grocery store, 57075 29 Palms Highway, on the west end of Yucca Valley. Blood donations will also be screened for COVID-19 antibodies. The test does not detect if the donor currently has COVID-19. All blood donors must wear a face mask and will undergo a COVID-19 health screening on arrival. All donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 115 pounds, and not be at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. Donors will also receive a free cholesterol screening and incentives. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 800-TRY-GIVING.
