St. Joseph’s Hospital, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur, is hosting a blood drive on Friday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Event Center at Brushy Fork, located at 929 Brushy Fork Road in Buckhannon.

Appointments are highly recommended to ensure an efficient process. To schedule your appointment, please visit vitalant.org, search by location, or use the account code UW4310005. You may also book by calling 877- 25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

Blood donations typically decline in the summer due to school breaks and increased travel. Maintaining a steady blood supply helps ensure patients undergoing cancer treatment, trauma care, surgery, and other medical procedures continue to receive timely care. “Summer collections can lag, but patient needs remain constant,” said Maya Santana, Vitalant communications manager. “Giving blood in August supports local hospitals and helps prepare for emergencies.”

As part of a national promotion, all donors who give with Vitalant between August 1 and August 28 will receive a $10 gift card and be entered into a drawing to win one of three $10,000 prepaid gas cards.*

In addition to supporting life-saving blood donations, the Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur will also be collecting non- perishable food items for the Upshur Cooperative Parish House Food Pantry. Donations will help provide much-needed food to those in need in the local community. Items needed include items such as canned vegetables, canned beans, peanut butter & jelly.

For more information about the blood drive or to schedule an appointment, please visit vitalant.org.

*Terms and conditions apply. Please visit vitalant.org/Gasgiveaway for more details.