Special to
L’Observateur

LUTCHER — Residents in the greater St. James Parish community are invited to make a difference and give blood next week at St. James Parish Hospital.

The Blood Center is sponsoring the drive from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday in the hospital’s Community Room.

Blood Center officials said St. James Parish Hospital needed more than 450 units from the Center in 2014.

Those interested in donating are asked to contact Carolyn Bossier at cbossier@sjph.org to schedule a donation.

Donors are eligible to win a gift card and all will receive a choice of Live Here, Give Here T-shirt, family blood coverage or From the Heart Club.

The Blood Center must collect between 300 to 350 pints of blood every day to maintain a stable community blood supply, officials said, adding the early Mardi Gras season this year has led to a decrease in blood donations.

Donors must be in good health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old to donate blood.

Those who are 16 and looking to donate are eligible if they weigh 130 pounds and have a signed TBC parental consent form.

Donors are encouraged to eat a healthful meal and drink plenty of fluids before and after donating. A picture I.D. is required.

For more information, call 800-86-BLOOD or visit thebloodcenter.org.