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 noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Vons in Yucca Valley. 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.