LAPLACE – In an effort to provide continuous quality service to their blood donors, The Blood Center has returned to Laplace with a new donor center located at 123 Belle Terre Drive.

Hours of operation for the Laplace donor center are Monday, and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Founded in 1960, The Blood Center is the primary supplier of blood and blood components in Southeast Louisiana and parts of South Mississippi – serving over 40 area hospitals.

A non-profit community service organization guided by a voluntary board of trustees, The Blood Center’s mission is to provide a quality supply of blood and blood components to meet the needs of the communities we serve, and to provide the technical support needed by the blood banking profession to achieve the highest safety and ethical standards.

It is estimated that every three seconds someone needs blood.

The need is constant and ongoing and because blood cannot be manufactured, volunteer blood donors are the only assurance that this lifesaving component is there when others need it. Anyone 17 years or older, in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds is eligible to donate blood. Blood donors need picture I.D.

Call (985) 652-9256 to reach The Blood Center, Laplace or for additional donor center locations and hours, call 1-800-86-BLOOD or visit www.thebloodcenter.org.