ATHENS, Ohio -- In order to help combat blood shortages during the holiday season, Ohio University Facilities and Auxiliaries is hosting a blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4. The Red Cross Mobile Blood Unit will be parked in the Convocation Center parking lot next to the softball field.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment by calling the Facilities Management service desk at (740) 593-2911 and must provide their birth date, contact phone number and blood type if known. Everyone who has called to schedule an appointment prior to this announcement will have their appointment time honored.

Blood can be given every 56 days and donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Anyone taking antibiotics on the day of the blood drive is not eligible to donate blood. Donors should eat all scheduled meals prior to their appointment. The blood giving process takes about one hour.