Brooksville, Fla. — A community blood drive is underway Friday at Hernando County Animal Services, offering incentives and health screenings for donors.
According to a social media post from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the event is taking place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at 19450 Oliver Street in Brooksville. The OneBlood donation bus is on-site collecting donations from eligible community members.
Officials said all donors will receive several incentives for participating in the drive.
Participants are eligible for a $20 gift card, a St. Patrick’s Day-themed T-shirt, and a free wellness checkup that includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron levels and cholesterol screening. The event also includes a free pet adoption incentive for each blood donation, though a valid ID is required.
Blood drives like this are part of ongoing regional efforts to maintain stable blood supplies for hospitals and emergency care providers.
According to OneBlood materials included with the event, only about 3% of eligible people donate blood, despite regular demand from medical centers treating trauma patients, surgical cases and individuals with chronic illnesses.
Appointments are encouraged but not required. Organizers said donors can reserve a time by visiting oneblood.org/donate-now and using sponsor code 72753.
The blood drive is scheduled to conclude at 2 p.m. Friday, though organizers recommend arriving earlier in the event window if possible.
Local community events such as blood drives often draw students and young workers looking for volunteer opportunities or quick health screenings during midday breaks.
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