Appointments encouraged for blood drive

Vitalant will host its' third annual Winter Classic blood drive in Chico (also Redding and Yuba City) Saturday, Jan. 30 and advance appointments are encouraged.

Blood is needed to help patients with cancer, traumatic injuries, blood disorders, surgeries, childbirth complications, burn injuries and more.

The Chico blood drive will be held at Chico Vitalant, 555 Rio Lindo

Ave., 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with appointments encouraged to help Vitalant follow social and physical distancing protocols.

OVID-19 safety issues will include temperature checks upon entry; sanitizing throughout the day and that those not feeling well cannot participate. Donors will receive an inhand Winter Classic Tshirt while supplies last.

Each blood donation is tested for COVID-19 antibodies which help determine if donors can donate convalescent plasma.

Even those not diagnosed with COVID-29 can help. When donors give blood or platelets, their antibody status is learned. If positive, Vitalant produces convalescent plasma from the donation. These donors can then give a convalescent plasma donation in the future to help more COVID-19 patients.

Learn more and make appointments by visiting vitalant.org/winter-classic or call 877-258-4825.