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; two blood drives will be held Wednesday, October 21. One will be at the Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree from 10 to 2, and the other will be at the “new” Stater Brothers grocery store in Yucca Valley, 58060 29 Palms Highway, from 10 to 3. 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 receive a free cholesterol screening and incentives. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 800-TRY-GIVING.
