Perfect Day for a Blood Drive: Halloween

Bloodmobile in Richmond Beach Saturday

By Tom Petersen

Yes.

They vant to suck your blood.

The Bloodworks Northwest mobile unit will be in front of the Shoreline Fire Safety Center at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and 20th Ave NW in Richmond Beach, on Saturday, Halloween, from 10am to noon and 1 to 4pm.

Though the bloodmobile staff can be counted upon to play up the spirit of the occasion --- it's their favorite day of the year --- there's nothing ghoulish about donating blood. Most adults over 110 pounds (and 16 to 18 year olds, with parental permission) are eligible, and there is a constant need for blood. Each pint can be divided for use in saving lives, helping people with chronic ailments, and for important medical research.

Donating blood takes just 45 minutes, from walking in to walking out. It is safe and a visit to a bloodmobile or donation center is like a mini check-up. In Richmond Beach, where the neighborhood theme is "We Show Up!", it's like a little community party, with a jovial, festive mood.

Appointments are recommended but not required. They can be made online (go to Donate Blood >> Search Blood Drives >> 98177). Walk-ins are welcome and encouraged. Bloodworks is always looking for new donors. Experienced donors should check to see that it's been eight weeks since their last donation; the previous Richmond Beach blood drive was cancelled because of a staffing shortage, but there was also a huge response to the emergency blood drives in September after the Aurora Bridge bus crash disaster.

All prospective donors need to bring photo I.D.