In 2024, 58,000 pints of blood were donated in New Hampshire to 27 area hospitals. This year, Granite VNA is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a community blood drive on Tuesday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at its Laconia office.

Red Cross officials note that even though 63% of people are eligible to donate, only 3% do. In New Hampshire, 180 people need to donate every day to meet the demand. Blood donors help patients of all ages and conditions every day, including accident and burn victims, surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer and other blood diseases.

Those who wish to donate may schedule an appointment by calling 800-733-2767 or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering: “GRANITEVNA.”

The Red Cross also offers donors a RapidPass option, which allows them to complete pre-reading and health history questions online prior to arrival, reducing the time they will spend at the blood drive by up to 15 minutes. Donors may visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass, read the materials, answer the health history questions, and bring the results to the blood drive.

All donors who participate in the July 15 blood drive are eligible to receive a $15 Fandango movie ticket by email.