Blood Needed: How To Donate In San Rafael

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Not all heroes wear capes; some just donate blood. And, this weekend, some San Rafael-area residents will join the ranks of those heroes by making a blood or plasma donation.

The blood drive, hosted by Vitalant, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the San Rafael Elks Lodge. Vitalant's website indicates appointment times at this event are already full, but several other events are coming up in San Rafael in the coming weeks.

Here's when to donate:

• March 3: Congregation Rodef Sholom Social Hall — 170 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael
• March 9: Valley Baptist Church Gym — 10 Sequoia Rd., San Rafael
• March 10: San Rafael Elks Lodge 1108 Carriage House — 1312 Mission Ave., San Rafael
• March 14: Mark Day School Gymnasium — 39 Trellis Dr., San Rafael

Each of the donation events listed above had available appointments as of publication.

All donors will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies, and people with antibodies could be asked to donate convalescent plasma, which can be used as a treatment for people battling COVID-19.