CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - On Thursday, Sept. 26 from 2:30 to 5:45 p.m., Citrus Heights area residents can help meet an immediate need for blood donations as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts one of its quarterly blood drives. 

While the church located at 7009 Van Maren Lane in Citrus Heights hosts blood drives quarterly in March, June, September and December, organizers hope to also help supply the current critical need for blood donations. 

Thirty-thousand blood donations are needed every day to support patients in hospitals across the United States, according to the Vitalant website, and donations run short over the summer.

The church’s blood drive organizer, Mike Petterborg, encourages donors to check Vitalant’s website at vitalant.org prior to signing up to ensure they are qualified to donate.

“Last June, many people answered the call to donate but unfortunately, many did not meet the health qualifications,” Petterborg said. 

Whole blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be in good general health, bring a photo I.D. and, if a minor, have a signed parental consent form that is available at Vitalant.org.

Community organizations and businesses with a physical location can also help meet the need by hosting additional blood drives. Those interested can contact www.vitalant.org/host-a-blood-drive.

Appointments take about an hour and can be scheduled at donors.vitalant.org using the blood drive code SMFR048 or by calling Vitalant at 877-258-4825. Walk-ins are welcome and accommodated if space allows. 

Possible donors concerned with needles are encouraged by Vitalant’s words that “most blood donors compare the experience to a mild, split-second pinch! The entire process is very safe and very fast, and you will feel amazing, knowing you potentially saved up to three people.”

Consider making a lifesaving donation.