(photo courtesy of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center)

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is holding a community blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, at the Farmhouse at Beverly Center, at street level at the corner of Third Street and La Cienega Boulevard.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for blood donations, in part because many community blood drives have been cancelled. 

All blood donors must wear masks and physical distancing will be enforced. Donors are asked to bring identification, such as a driver’s license, and to eat and stay hydrated prior to donating.

 Cedars-Sinai Blood Donor Services is providing COVID-19 antibody testing for all donors. The results of the test do not impact the hospital’s ability to use donations, nor does it affect a donor’s ability to donate blood in the future. Antibody results will be available within a few weeks of donating.

Free parking will be offered. Enter the Beverly Center’s parking structure through the Third Street entrance and park in one of the numbered spots. To enter Farmhouse, use the doors located in the Third Street parking entrance.

For information, visit cedars-sinai.org/programs/blood-donor-services.html.