Annual Mayor D. Michael Collins Blood Drive

Toledo’s annual Mayor D. Michael Collins Blood Drive will be held Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association union hall, 1947 Franklin Ave.

The blood drive honors the memory of Mayor Collins, who died five years ago today – Feb. 6, 2015. The blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors may register at www.RedCrossBlood.org.

City employees are encouraged to donate blood. City employees represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 7 will be offered time during the work day to donate blood if doing so does not impact operations.

American Red Cross officials said they are in desperate need of donated blood. The Red Cross encourages individuals to make a donation appointment and to complete a RapidPass online health history questionnaire to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass can be completed online at www.RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass, on mobile devices, and through the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Donors can help even more people by inviting a family member, friend, or co-worker to donate too.