South Lake Blood Drive Celebrates 48 Years

This June, the South Lake Tahoe Community Blood Drive will celebrate its 48th year anniversary. The public is encouraged to donate blood and help save lives.

The community blood drive will take place on Monday, June 2 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, formerly the Embassy Suites, located at 4130 Lake Tahoe Boulevard in the first floor conference rooms. BloodSource hosts the blood drive and Barton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary sponsors the event.

Dan Kerr, a volunteer for the Barton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and blood donor, has given blood since 1956. “The first time I gave blood was to help a little boy I knew who had a rare blood disease.”

Kerr says he continues to donate his blood because “I have a rare blood type and it’s an easy way to help others.” As an individual, he has donated more than 26 gallons of blood. Kerr estimates that the South Shore community has provided more than 20,000 blood donations.

The need for blood donations locally is ongoing. Each blood type has different benefits for different recipients and blood donors of all types are encouraged.

Donors must be at least 17 years old or 16 with a parent consent.

The South Lake Tahoe Community Blood Drive hosts blood drives every other month. No reservation is required and parking will be validated at the blood drive check-in. Donors must bring a photo ID. Eating a meal and drinking plenty of water before donating blood is encouraged.

For eligibility questions, call the BloodSource at (800) 995-4420. For additional information, call Dan Kerr at (775) 781-5343.