Vitalant will host its bimonthly blood drive from 1-4:30 p.m. on July 21 at the Whitman County Library in Colfax.

The donation clinic usually takes place in a bus outside, but this year will be inside the library to comply with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, said Sarah Phelan-Blamires, marketing and adult services librarian.

Phelan-Blamires said scheduling an appointment online allows patients to fill out their fast-track health history questionnaire before the donation, cutting time spent at the clinic almost in half. 

“When I donate blood, and I do my fast track history online, it usually just takes about half an hour,” she said. “Otherwise about 45 minutes to 50 minutes if you don’t do the fast track.”

Walk-ins are also available, she said. All walk-ins must present a photo ID and fill out their health history questionnaire in person. 

“There are still a few appointments available, people can register online … or they can try to walk in, sometimes they can squeeze people in but it’s best to make an appointment,” she said.

Phelan-Blamires warned walk-ins are first-come, first-served so there is no guarantee a person will get to donate. 

Appointments for the blood drive can be made on Vitalant’s website or by calling its phone number, she said. 

Vitalant hosts blood drives at the library every eight weeks and also has permanent donation centers in Spokane, Lewiston and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.