Chester County Library will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Wednesday, April 27, from noon to 5 pm in the Struble Room. For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call 610-344-5957 or sign up online at redcrossblood.org.

“Hosting a blood drive coincides with Chester County Library’s core values of giving back to the community,” said Kelly Quigg, Community Engagement Librarian and coordinator of the event. “With a simple blood donation, we have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, loved one, or neighbor.”

Blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients, and trauma victims, according to the Red Cross. “The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition. We urge eligible donors to join us in the selfless act of giving blood.”

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative, and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone and is often used to treat trauma patients.