Roll up your sleeve this week to keep blood supply strong during coronavirus pandemic

As we continue to adapt our lives to the “new normal” that COVID-19 has created, it’s understandable that donating blood might not be high up on priority lists.

But it’s extremely important that we do our part to keep the blood supply stable so hospitals can continue to have the blood products necessary to “help patients battling disease and facing the unexpected,” according to a press release.

So healthy individuals are strongly encouraged to give the gift of life by donating blood or platelets at one of several American Red Cross blood drive opportunities in the area:

Boise

▪ Tuesday, May 26, and Thursday, May 28: noon to 6 p.m., Boise Saves Lives, 906 W. Main St.

▪ Friday, May 29: 1 to 7 p.m., Warm Springs building, 2290 Warm Springs Ave.

Kuna

▪ Thursday, May 28: 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., Avalon building, 224 E. Avalon St.

Meridian

▪ Wednesday, May 27: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Village at Meridian, 3693 E. Longwing Lane #110

▪ Wednesday, May 27: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Country Inn and Suites By Radisson, 3355 E. Pine Ave.

▪ Thursday, May 28: noon to 5 p.m., Ten Mile Christian Church, 3500 W. Franklin Road

Nampa

▪ Tuesday, May 26: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 8 S. Midland Blvd.

▪ Wednesday, May 27: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Holiday Inn, 16245 N. Merchant Way

▪ Wednesday, May 27: 1 to 6 p.m., First United Presbyterian Church, 400 Lake Lowell Ave.

Caldwell

▪ Saturday, May 30: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Linden building, 11792 Linden Road

Mountain Home

▪ Friday, May 29: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Legion Hall, 515 E. 2nd South St.

Idaho City

▪ Friday, May 29: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Idaho City Christian Center, 3853 Idaho 21

All sites are following the highest standards of safety, which include social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff.

For those interesting in donating (all blood types are needed), download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

And as a thank-you, donors will receive a special Red Cross “We’re all in this together” T-shirt, by mail, while supplies last.

The Red Cross is also looking for blood drive hosts. Learn more and sign up to sponsor a drive by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.