Edmunds County Tribune -

The Ipswich Lions are hosting a blood drive with Vitalant on August 24 at Holy Cross Hall from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. to help ensure a safe blood supply during the summer when blood donations traditionally drop significantly.

Donors can make an appointment by calling (877)25-VITAL or at https://donors.vitalant.org/

Vitalant encourages anyone feeling well and healthy to make their appointment for the blood drive. First time donors are always welcome. Blood donations fall by about 40% during the summer months while the need for blood increases.

Vitalant strives to keep a five-day supply of every blood type on the shelf at all times to be able to meet the needs of patients across the region. Donations from O-negative donors, the universal blood type, are especially important this time of year due to increased accidents and trauma cases.

Vitalant relies on 250 people to donate blood each day to ensure the needs of local hospitals are met. There is no substitute for human blood, so volunteer blood donors are vital to ensure a safe blood supply.

The blood donation process takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate on http://www.vitalant.org/ health .