Blood drives are considered an essential service, and blood donations are way down due to the pandemic. Blood is desperately needed; a blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Stater Bros. (58060 Highway 62) on the east end of Yucca Valley. All blood donors must wear a face mask and 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 receive a free cholesterol screening and incentives. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 800-TRY-GIVING.