OAKHURST – In response to the recent onslaught of fires, Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“While we are hoping and praying that there will not be injuries, we feel that this is one way we can help by making sure we are prepared,” says Lori Prentice, contact person for the blood drive.“We need 70 sign-ups in order to justify the big bus coming out, and I told them we’d have way more than that!”
The Red Cross has added a special date for this area because of recent fires, Prentice says, and their goal is 4 to 6 people every fifteen minutes.
“This is a potentially dangerous situation with all the fires, and while I don’t want to worry people more than they already are, I just believe in being prepared,” says Prentice.
“Mountain Area Fires is the name they have given our group,” she says. “This is a really easy way to help, it does lots of good and takes only a little bit of time.“
Prentice reminds everyone that even if there isn’t a need for blood related to the fire fighting activities, “there may be a person in an accident or a hospital somewhere, and you could literally help sustain or save a life. Just one person in a severe car crash can use up to 100 pints of blood (per Red Cross).”
Anyone wishing to donate must be at leat 110 lbs, 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, and be in good health. Those with questions can email Lori Prentice at loriprentice@hotmail.com or message her on Facebook.
Call or email to schedule a time between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., or just stop in at Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, 39696 Highway 41 in Oakhurst. No appointment is necessary unless a donor wishes to schedule one.
Go to the Central California Blood Center’s website for more info http://www.donateblood.org
