‘Give the Gift of Life’ The final blood drive of 2015 in Mariposa will be held on Thursday, December 10th, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pioneer Market.  A bloodmobile from Central California Blood Center will be parked in the parking lot of Pioneer Market, at 5034 Coakley Circle, Mariposa.

“The need for blood is at a critical stage during the holiday season.  With more people traveling on the roads, unfortunately there are also more accidents and people who need blood transfusions,” said a representative from Central California Blood Center. 

The blood donation process usually takes less than one hour to complete.  Donors must be in good general health, weight a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 years 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 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.

The Central California Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood products for the 31 hospital in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings, and Mariposa Counties and must collect 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood a month to fill the need. 

For additional information contact Lorna Coci, at John C. Fremont Hospital, at 209-966-3631, ext. 173 or Phyllis Linnebur at 209-966-7728.

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