Donate Blood Twice This Summer, starting with this Saturday in Richmond Beach

Look for the large-capacity bloodmobile in front of
the Shoreline Fire Safety Center in Richmond Beach

By Tom Petersen

The Puget Sound Blood Center mobile unit will be in Richmond Beach this Saturday, June 29, to kick off their annual “Give Twice This Summer” campaign. Summer is a particularly important time to donate blood, because accidents and elective surgeries are up, while many regular donors go on vacation and large blood drives at high schools and colleges stop. PSBC sent out an alert last week that it is starting the summer about 500 pints below what is considered a safe supply, so every blood drive and donor center is calling for everyone to pitch in.

Snacks for all donors

Make an appointment online

The bloodmobile will be parked in front of the Shoreline Fire Safety Center from 10am to 4pm. Appointments are recommended but walk-ups are welcome. Donating blood takes about 45 minutes. The big bus can take 8 to 10 donors an hour, minimizing waiting (as long as everyone doesn’t show up at once).

Richmond Beach’s theme this year is “Bring A Friend!” Blood donations are a cheerful habit to maintain, and Richmond Beach already has a block party atmosphere when the bloodmobile is the neighborhood. PSBC is always looking to expand the pool, though, so experienced donors are encouraged to bring newbies and friends who need to get back in the habit.