EATON — Be part of “Blood Donor Year” by supporting the Kettering Health Preble County Medical Center community blood drive Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 450 Washington Jackson Road, Eaton, as well as the National Trail High School community blood drive Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 6940 Oxford-Gettysburg Road, New Paris.

Registered donors get the “Team Donor” long-sleeve t-shirt, “Fight. Heal. Give” face mask, and free COVID-19 antibody testing. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com or call (937) 461-3220.

Community Blood Center is calling 2021 “Blood Donor Year” because of the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and winter weather cancellations on blood collection. CBC challenges all who are able to donate at least three times in 2021.

The goal of the “Fight. Heal. Give” campaign is to encourage COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma donations, especially from new donors. Learn more about donating CCP at www.GivingBlood.org and make an appointment at (937) 461-3220.

There is no deferral or delay in making a regular blood donation after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. CCP donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine may be eligible to continue donating CCP. To confirm your eligibility email [email protected] or call (937) 461-3220.

Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email [email protected] or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.

Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services® is an independent, not-for-profit organization. Community Blood Center provides blood products to 23 hospitals and health centers within a 15-county service area in the Miami (Ohio) and Whitewater (Indiana) Valleys. For more information about Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services®, visit www.givingblood.org.