Blood drive at diner today
When the area’s blood supply is stressed by higher usage and lower donations, Black Bear Diner often lends a paw. Today will be no different, as the diner offers a free pie for each donor.
The Central California bloodmobile will be at Black Bear Diner, 1209 East Almond Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Each donor will receive an individual-size pie, a coupon for a pint of Baskin-Robbins ice cream and a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for entry into the Big Fresno Fair scheduled for October. Add to that a variety of discounts from Valley businesses for dining, recreation, entertainment, and services.
“As summer wraps up blood supplies have slipped, yet patient needs have increased. We remind people every day that donated blood is needed for cancer patients, burn victims, people injured in accidents and children with leukemia. There isn’t a substitute for donated blood,” says community relation director Leslie Botos of the Central California Blood Center.
Blood donation takes less than one hour to complete. Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 18 years old. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds may also donate with written parental consent.
Senior citizens are encouraged to donate, as there is no upper age limit. Donors should eat a good meal and drink plenty of water no more than four hours prior to their donations. Donors can give blood every eight weeks. Photo ID is required at donor registration.
The Central California Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood products for the 30 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 the Valley community.
For information about the Madera blood drive, call Priscilla Cullers at 259-3852.