JAMESTOWN — Shawnee Hills Baptist Church will host a community blood drive from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 3490 Jasper Road.

Donors have until Oct. 31 to register to donate and be automatically entered in the “Wake Up & Donate” drawing to win a Sleep Number bed. They can also choose the “Wake Up It’s Time to Support the Fight” T-shirt honoring October Breast Cancer Awareness Month or a previous T-shirt from the “Wake Up & Donate” campaign.

Demand continues for type O-positive blood. It is the most common blood type and usage is consistently high. But the shortage is related specifically to collections limited by smaller blood drives and fewer first-time donors.

The CBC is challenged by cancelled blood drives and frequent shortages. Many businesses and organizations cannot host blood drives due to COVID-19 restrictions. High schools have cancelled blood drives or are hosting them at reduced capacity. More than 85 percent of CBC collections come from mobile blood drives, including 17 percent from high schools.

CBC officials remind residents that cancer is not cancelled by COVID-19. Blood component transfusions are vitally important for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma patients. October is the traditional time to remember that blood products are especially important for those fighting breast cancer and all forms of the disease.

The CBC is also seeking COVID-19 survivors to become “Crisis Warriors” by donating their antibody-rich plasma for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. CCP donors will receive the “COVID-19 Crisis Warrior” T-shirt.

Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch and blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health. The Food and Drug Administration changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions should email [email protected] or call 1-800-388-GIVE.

Donors must make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com or by calling 937-461-3220.