The Gladish Community and Cultural Center will be hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at 115 NW State St. Room 211. 

There are 29 spots designated for blood donors and only two spots are currently open, said Mary Kress, Red Cross blood donor recruitment account manager. 

Donors and volunteers will have their temperature checked before entering. They will also wear masks and practice social distancing, Kress said.  

There will be constant sanitation after each donor. If donors do not have a mask, one will be provided to them, she said. 

At this point, blood donations are critical because of the fires surrounding the county, Kress said.  Fire smoke is causing many blood drives to close, which led to thousands of blood donation shortages, she said. 

“One pint of blood can potentially save three lives,” Kress said. 

Another blood drive will be held in the same location on Oct. 20. There are 30 spots available for registration. All spots are available as of Monday, she said.

More information on other blood drives in the area can be found at vitalant.org.