Sentinel staff report–
Free Kings tickets will be offered to those donating blood this Friday, Dec. 21, in Citrus Heights.
Vitalant, formerly known locally as BloodSource, has teamed up with the Sacramento Kings for the latest blood drive, which will be held in front of the Men’s Wearhouse at 6177 Sunrise Blvd. According to a news release, Vitalant’s “bloodmobiles” will be set up for donations to be received from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
Kings dancers and the basketball team’s mascot “Slamson” will also be on scene, and each donor will receive a pair of Kings tickets.
Blood drive organizers said donors can help patients like the 16-year-old son of Kings broadcaster Jason Ross, who endured leukemia and a marrow transplant when he was younger. Vitalant says blood donors played “an integral role in his return to health.”
Vitalant calls this time of year a “challenging time to collect blood donations,” citing a variety of reasons for the seasonal slowdown, including regular blood donors being unavailable during holiday travels, along with cold and flu season keeping many donors from being healthy enough to donate.
To be eligible as a whole blood donor, participants must be at least 18 years old — or as young as 16 with a signed parental consent form — weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and “be in good general health.” Donors also need to bring a photo ID.
Parental consent forms and additional information about eligibility for other types of donations are available at Vitalant’s website.
