Donate blood in Roseville, get a ticket to the state fair

Donate blood in Roseville, get a ticket to the state fair. That's the deal for an upcoming community blood drive, aimed to increase much-needed blood donations. As is the case every summer, blood donations are drastically down, which is always a concern considering the need for blood tends to increase during this time of year. In an effort to inspire more blood donations, Vitalant is hosting another community blood drive, this time at Maidu Community Center, on Tuesday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Donors will receive a ticket to the state fair and be entered into a free car giveaway. Vitalant is one of the nation's largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply. In a statement, Vitalant explained the dire need for blood donations: "Somewhere in the country, a patient needs blood every two seconds. However, every summer donations take a nosedive due to people going on vacation or schools out of session. "… Each donation has the power to help up to three patients in need and, with summer often bringing a decline in donations, maintaining a steady blood supply for our area hospitals is more important than ever. Donations from donors of all blood types help patients. Type O and platelet donors are especially needed, as they help patients of most blood types." Appointments are encouraged, but they will take walk-ins based on availability. View eligibility requirements and make an appointment at Maidu Community Blood Drive, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Before donating, Vitalant officials offer some guidelines donors must follow: * Must be healthy and at least 18 years old (16-year-olds need parental consent and weigh at least 110 pounds). * There is no upper age limit for donations. * Eat a hearty meal, bring a valid photo ID and drink plenty of water at least two hours before donation. * The entire process takes about an hour, with the actual donation lasting about 5-7 minutes.