Largest Blood Drive In Blair County Set For July 18

Donate blood this summer with the American Red Cross, Seven Mountains Media and WTAJ at the 35th Annual Blair Media Blood Blitz. The blood drive will be held on Tuesday, July 18, at the Altoona Area Junior High School Fieldhouse (1400 7th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 10-hour event is the largest blood drive in Blair County with a goal to collect more than 180 units of blood.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Donors can help save a life in just one hour. As a thank-you, everyone who comes to give blood will receive an exclusive Shark Week t-shirt from Discovery, while supplies last. Rob's Catering will provide refreshments for donors after giving blood.

The Blair Media Blood Blitz is open to the public. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code BloodBlitz. Donors can save time by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Donors needed around holiday

The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy a safe and fun Fourth of July, which includes ensuring a strong blood supply for patients in hospitals across the country. There has been a concerning shortfall in blood donations in recent weeks, and the upcoming holiday could put a further strain on donations, as millions celebrate with family vacations and other seasonal activities. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type B negative or O negative blood as well as platelet donors, are needed to make an appointment to give now to ensure blood remains available for patients this summer.

To encourage blood donations, the Red Cross is offering the following to those who come to give in the coming weeks:

• All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma July 1-11 will receive an exclusive Red Cross dry bag, while supplies last. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/gifts.

However people plan to celebrate Independence Day on or following the holiday, the Red Cross has several tips to make sure they can do so safely.

Fireworks safety:

• Skip fireworks at home. Attend a public show or celebrate with glow sticks or noise makers instead.

• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.

• Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.

• Light only one firework at a time, and never attempt to relight "a dud."

Grill safety:

• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.

• Don't add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.

• Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.

• Wash your hands before preparing the food.

• Don't leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.

For additional tips, including water safety, beach safety and water park safety, visit redcross.org/watersafety.