Blair County Gears Up for Major Summer Blood Drive Event |
Community invited to help meet urgent seasonal demand at annual Blood Blitz |
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Residents are encouraged to roll up their sleeves on Tuesday, July 21, as the 38th Annual Blair Media Blood Blitz returns to Altoona Area Junior High School Fieldhouse. The event, recognized as the largest blood drive in Blair County, will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with organizers aiming to collect 130 units of blood. The American Red Cross, in partnership with Seven Mountains Media and WTAJ, is calling on donors of all blood types to help maintain a stable blood supply during the challenging summer months, when donations often decline. Participants must present a blood donor card, a driver’s license, or two other forms of identification at check-in. Eligible donors include individuals who are at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent where permitted by state law), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and are in generally good health. Additional height and weight requirements apply to high school students and donors aged 18 or younger. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, visiting the Red Cross website, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App with sponsor code BLOODBLITZ. To save time, donors may complete the pre-donation reading and health questionnaire online through RapidPass before arriving. As a thank-you, those who donate between July 13 and July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket via email, valued up to $15. All presenting donors will also receive a Sheetz fountain drink coupon and a limited-edition Red Cross beach towel. |