The American Red Cross will host the last 2024 Whitefish Community Blood Drive on Thursday, Nov. 21, at The WAVE, located at 1250 Baker Avenue, from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. 

The entire donation process takes about an hour, including check-in, a brief health review, drawing the blood and snacks afterwards. People are encouraged to add a local blood donation to their Thanksgiving schedules.  

Appointments are recommended and a blood donor card or a driver license is required for all donors at the time of check-in. To schedule your appointment for Nov. 21, please go to www.redcrossblood.org and search for a blood drive in the Whitefish zip code or call Merry Lynn Southers at 406-250-0126. 

Walk-in donors are welcome, however, there may be a short wait. It is recommended that people eat a hardy meal and drink plenty of water prior to giving blood.  

Someone in Montana needs blood every 27 minutes. A donation will help accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and those receiving treatments for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell. Blood cannot be manufactured; it can only come from generous donors.  

For more information about the American Red Cross Blood Donation Program and why blood donations are important, visit www.redcrossblood.org.