SIDNEY – Fairlawn High School in Sidney will help boost the blood supply during what has been a challenging flu season by hosting a community blood drive Friday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the auditorium, 18800 Johnston Road. The blood drive is open to students, faculty, parents and community members.

Everyone who registers to donate will receive the Community Blood Center “Blood Donation is the Language of Saving Lives” high school T-shirt. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com or call 1-800-388-GIVE.

A significant number of potential donors have been unable to give blood this winter because of widespread cases of flu and other seasonal illness. If you must miss an appointment to donate please reschedule when able. CBC specifically encourages eligible donors to help with the need for type O positive and type O negative whole blood donations and type A/B platelet and plasma donations.

Community Blood Center is now testing blood donations for the Zika virus and is no longer deferring donors for travel to Zika endemic areas. By consenting to give blood, donors are agreeing to participate in a research study to help develop better testing systems to protect the blood supply.

Learn more at www.GivingBlood.org.