Red, White, and Blue Blood Drive in Richmond Beach on Saturday

By Tom Petersen

Sure, the 4th of July is fun, but invariably some people end up in the hospital . . . where they share space in the Recovery Ward with the kids and teachers who had postponed surgeries until after school let out. 

This month sees some of the highest demand for blood transfusions, but stocks dip because the Puget Sound Blood Center can’t hold drives at high schools and colleges. That means it is super important that people donate when the bloodmobile is in their neighborhood. 

This Saturday, July 7, the mobile unit will be in Richmond Beach from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., in front of the Fire Safety Center at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and 20th Ave NW.  

Donating blood is safe and easy.  Most adults over 110 pounds are eligible, as are 16 to 18 year olds who have parent permission. (Last year’s top donor in Richmond Beach, giving blood every eight weeks without fail, was a seventeen year old!)

Appointments for the Richmond Beach event, or for other dates or locations, can be made online following the prompts under “search blood drives.” The bloodmobile tends to be most crowded before noon and in the last hour.  Walk-ups are always welcome and encouraged.