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 this weekend. The first will be Saturday, February 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Yucca Valley at the Center for Healthy Generations. A second blood drive will also take place Saturday at the Hi-Desert Farmers Market in Twentynine Palms from 8 a.m. to 1 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.
