Last week you gave your heart. This week, give blood!

Blood Buddies Tom and Robert say, "Put'er there, pal!" 

By Tom Petersen

The Puget Sound Blood Center’s mobile unit will be back in Richmond Beach this Saturday, February 23, from 10am to 4pm. This is the first of six blood drives for 2013 in Richmond Beach; they come about every eight weeks, which is the allowable gap between a person’s donations.

The bloodmobile will be parked in front of the Shoreline Fire Safety Center, at corner of 20th Ave NW and Richmond Beach Road.

Bring A Buddy!

Richmond Beach’s neighborhood theme this year is “Bring A Friend!”  The neighborhood has a long record of successful drives, thanks to a large group of regular donors, but the pool always needs replenishing. Surveys show that people are more likely to start donating blood, and become regular donors, if they go with an experienced friend who can show them how easy, safe, and fun it is. So, whether it’s a Valentine sweetie or the bud you’re going to watch the Daytona 500 with . . . Bring A Friend!

Book Two!

Donating blood is quick and convenient already, but even more so with an appointment. Reserving a particular time is done online and going to “search drives” under “donate blood.”  There, all drives in the area in the coming weeks (not just Richmond Beach) can be found. Of course, walk-ups are always welcome. PSBC also has permanent, open-daily storefronts in Lynnwood and northern Seattle that are handy to Shoreline.