Celebrate World Blood Donor Day by Giving at Del Monte Center

MONTEREY, Calif. - Saturday, June 14 is World Blood Donor Day and Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula is marking the occasion with a blood drive sponsored by Del Monte Center.

The bloodmobile will be stationed near Century Cinemas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and welcomes all eligible donors. For giving the gift of life, donors will receive a free T-shirt from Community Hospital and a free piece of pizza from Pizza My Heart or a free burrito from Chipotle, two generous supporters from Del Monte Center.

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness of the need for safe blood around the world, to thank donors who give regularly, and to encourage everyone who is eligible to donate. An estimated 39,000 units of blood are needed in the United States every day, but fewer than 10 percent of those eligible to donate actually do. If you are older than age 16, weigh more than 110 pounds, and are in good health, you can help save lives by giving blood.

You may donate Saturday or visit Community Hospital's Blood Center at 576 Hartnell Street, Monterey or one of the other blood drives scheduled throughout the area. Information and hours are available at www.chomp.org or by calling (831) 625-4814.

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, founded in 1934 and located at 23625 Holman Highway in Monterey, has grown and evolved in direct response to the changing healthcare needs of the people it serves. It is a nonprofit, integrated healthcare provider delivering a continuum of care from birth to end of life, and every stage in between. It serves the Monterey Peninsula and surrounding communities through 15 locations, including outpatient facilities, satellite laboratories, a mental health clinic, Hospice of the Central Coast, and business offices. For more information about Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, visit www.chomp.org.