The drive will be held from 12:30 to 6 p.m. July 23 on the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church, located at 203 Carson Rd. in Roland.
The United Blood Services' "Guns and Hoses" drive is a friendly competition between the local law enforcements and the local fire departments to see which department can bring in the most units of life-saving blood. Blood donors can choose which department they want to represent with their donation.
"It is important to come together as a community to help one another," Melody Smith of United Blood Services in Fort Smith, Ark., said.
Those donating will receive a free specially designed Guns and Hoses T-shirt. Those donating will also have the opportunity to win a 2008 Nissan Versa. The drawing for the car will be Sept. 2.
Smith is urging residents to attend the blood drive and donate. Blood donated at the upcoming blood drive will help save the lives of patients in 28 local hospitals throughout the area.
Blood donors must be 17 years or older and in good health. People who have given at least three times - with one of those donations in the past six months - are eligible for a streamlined health interview with fewer questions before their donation. Donors are asked to bring a photo identification and donor card every time they donate.
Potential donors can schedule a convenient appointment and lock in a time slot at the blood drive by calling Smith at (479) 651-7168 or by logging on to www.UnitedBloodServices.org.
