Despite the coronavirus pandemic’s many challenges, the American Red Cross will still host its annual blood drives this fall.

Each drive, hosted at the Days Inn hotel on Beaver Ave., will support children, teens, and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of blood transfusions. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, after all.

Beginning Tuesday, September 8, State College residents can make an appointment to donate blood on the following dates:

• Tuesday, September 8: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 9: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 15: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 22: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, September 23: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Red Cross is taking strict health and safety precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic, including temperature checks, enforcing social distancing, and requiring face masks for donors and staff.

The Red Cross is also testing blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. This will help to identify those who have antibodies and may qualify to be plasma donors for patients who are currently infected.

To be eligible to donate, you must be 17 years old or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. A blood donor card, a driver’s license, or two other forms of ID are required at check-in.

To make an appointment, you can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, call 1-800-733-2767, or click here.