Blood drives are considered an essential service, and blood donations are way down due to the pandemic. Blood is desperately needed; two blood drives will be held tomorrow (February 17). The first will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stater Bros. on the East end of Yucca Valley. A second blood drive will also take place tomorrow at the Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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.
