The American Red Cross has scheduled blood drives at the following locations in the region this month:   

American Red Cross Blood Drives for July 2008:

* Thursday,    2 to 7 p.m., Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 820 Old County Road, Brookings.         

* Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Star of the Sea Catholic Church.     

*  Monday, July 21,    1 to 6 p.m., St. John’s Catholic Church, Highway 101 at 15th Street, Port Orford.         

* Tuesday, July 22, 1 to 6 p.m., Coquille Community Building, 15 N. Birch St.            

* Wednesday, July 23, 1 to 6 p.m.,    College Park Community Church.         

* Thursday, July 24,    1 to 6 p.m., St. Monica Catholic Church.        

Donors must be 17 years old or older, in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and wait at least 56 days between donations.

Those planning to donate should start drinking water 48 hours in advance, sleep for at least eight hours the night before, eat a high protein, well-balanced meal at least two hours before donation and bring a picture identification or Red Cross donor card.

Wearing clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow and avoiding heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for approximately five hours after donation is also advised.

The blood donation process takes about one hour and includes four steps: registration, mini-physical and health history, collection and refreshments.

Those interested can call (800) 448-3543, 751-4426 for BLM, (541)247-6604 for Gold Beach to schedule a donation appointment.