Two blood drives Jan. 30 and 31 in Porterville

The Central California Blood Center has scheduled two blood drives in Porterville for January.

Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old, or 16 years of age with written parental consent. Senior citizens are also encouraged to donate. Donors should eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within four hours prior to their donation. Donors can give blood every eight weeks. Photo ID and Social Security number are required at donor registration. Blood donation takes less than one hour to complete.

All donors also receive a variety of discounts from Valley businesses for dining, recreation, entertainment and services. In addition, donors at the PC site will receive a free T-shirt.

The Central California Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood products for the 31 hospitals in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings and Mariposa Counties and must collect between 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood a month to meet the needs of our Valley community.
Community members are encouraged to donate blood at one of the following blood drives:

 Porterville College — 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Jan. 30, at a bloodmobile located north of the Student Center at PC, 100 E. College Ave.

 Porterville Developmental Center, 1 to 4:30 p.m., Jan. 31, at a bloodmobile in the PDC parking lot, 26501 Avenue 140.