Summertime poses a challenge for local hospitals because blood supplies typically run low due to summer vacations. But the need for blood to cope with accidents, illness and surgeries remains high.

To bring local blood supplies to safe levels, healthy adults can donate blood on Friday, July 9, noon - 4 p.m., at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366. The collection is sponsored by the City of O’Fallon and Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. All donations will be used by regional hospitals.

“Summer vacations mean a drop in blood donations, but there’s an increase in the need for blood,” said Kathy Halstead, O’Fallon’s Manager of Volunteer Services. “A single whole-blood donation can help save the lives of up to three people. And platelet or double-red blood cell donations are especially important to cancer and surgical patients, and people with chronic blood disorders.”

“Appointments are encouraged to speed donations and ensure adequate staffing, but walk-ins for whole blood donations are always welcome,” said Halsted. “Donors who pre-register for platelets and double-red cell donations will have a spot reserved for them in the pheresis donation area, which allows donors to comfortably give two to five times as many blood components as whole blood donations.”

Donors must show a photo I.D. and are encouraged to eat a good meal within four hours prior to donating. Refreshments will be served immediately after donations.

For an appointment, contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5507 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us and click on “Volunteer Services.” Or go directly to www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer.

This is a copy of a City of O'Fallon Press Release at www.ofallon.mo.us

Contact - Tom Drabelle, Director of Public Relations

636-379-5508

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