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The blood mobile will be situated at several different locations in town on separate days of this week.

On Wednesday, January 13, it will be located in the front of Memorial Hospital and Manor on the circular drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To encourage donors, Deborah Brown, Education Coordinator at Memorial Hospital, says those who donate will receive a $10 e-gift card, a long sleeve T-shirt, a free appetizer coupon, courtesy of Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and a wellness checkup including COVID-19 antibody test.

Persons who have had COVID are encouraged to be checked for antibodies as blood containing antibodies from one who has recovered is in demand for treatment of those who are ill and fighting the virus.

Those planning to donate are encouraged to make an appointment by visiting www.oneblood.org/donate or by calling 1-888-9-DONATE.

Brown says a table will be set up outside the mobile unit to clear potential donors before they enter the bus, as only two or three donors may enter the bus at one time.

Donors must bring ID, be at least 16 years old and those will need parental permission. You must wait at least 14 days before donating if you have been exposed to someone who has or may have COVID-19, have recently been tested and are pending test results, or if you have a confirmed active case of COVID.

Brown says there is a challenge to keep the blood banks full, especially now with the rise in the COVID outbreak.