More than two dozen people turned out Monday for a blood drive at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital.
Dignity Health is partnering with Vitalant this week to host blood drives at Dignity Health hospitals in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties in response to current blood shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arroyo Grande resident Barbara Laney was one of 27 people who turned out to donate on Monday.
"I think it is really important because if you’re well, there’s people that need it (blood) right now and maybe a lot of people that can’t donate,” she said.
Wednesday, Vitalant will be at Marina Regional Medical Center’s conference center, 1400 E. Church St. at the corner of Palisades and Church in Santa Maria, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, a drive is set for French Hospital Medical Center’s Copeland Health Education Pavilion on the third floor, 1911 S. Jonson Ave., in San Luis Obispo, from 9 a.m. 2 p.m.
As of Monday morning, some spots were still open but hospital officials said they were filling quickly.
Dignity Health says donating blood takes about 45 minutes and can save up to three lives.
To make an appointment to donate, click here.
Local health officials do not encourage people to donate blood if they are feeling ill.
