To highlight National Preparedness Month in September, a blood drive is asking people on the Central Coast to donate blood.
National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage people to prepare for emergencies in their neighborhoods and is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
Kevin Adler works at the blood donation company Vitalant. He said blood donations can help ensure the country’s blood supply even in emergencies.
“If there is not enough blood on the shelves in an emergency, doctors and hospitals have to make unfortunate decisions,” Adler said.
Vitalant accepts all blood types, but the most needed is blood type O negative, also known as a “universal donor.” Adler said doctors use this blood type when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type.
The company will be holding a series of blood drives throughout San Luis Obispo County next month.
“The need is always there. Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood,” Adler said.
The first event of National Preparedness Month will take place on Sunday at the Home Depot in Atascadero.
Upcoming Vitalant Blood Drives in San Luis Obispo County:
Sunday, September 1 – Atascadero, Home Depot, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 4 – Morro Bay Community Center, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 5 – Paso Robles, 900 Park Street, 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 10 – Cambria, Sea Chest Restaurant, 1:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 11 – San Miguel Fire Department, 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, September 13 – San Luis Obispo Costco, 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday, September 20 – Nipomo, 553 West Tefft Street, 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Monday, September 23 – Paso Robles Walmart, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 24 – Oceano Elks Lodge, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
People can also donate blood at the San Luis Obispo Donation Center on Broad Street.