The City of Bangs will host a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 29 at the Community Center at 406 West Spencer, and Hendrick Medical Center will host blood drives from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4 and Thursday, Aug. 5.

Call 877-258-4825 for additional information regarding both locations.

The blood supply remains critically low. All blood types are needed – especially O positive and O negative. This is not just a local shortage – it is across the county. If a major trauma were to happen in Brownwood or surrounding areas – the blood simply would not be available.

Factors that are affecting the blood supply include the pandemic: many blood drives have been cancelled and now that people are beginning to take vacations again – they are not donating plus BECAUSE more people are driving – there are MORE accidents driving up the need for blood. Elective surgeries are going full steam – driving up the need for blood.

Blood donors only need to be at least 16 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be healthy. 16 – 22 year old donors will need to meet additional height and weight requirements. 16 year old donors must present a minor donor permit signed by a parent or guardian – go to www.vitalant.org to find the form.

COVID-19 vaccinated? Great! You are absolutely allowed to give blood if you meet all general blood donation eligibility criteria.