The 38th Annual Blair Media Blood Blitz blood drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the Altoona Area Junior High School Fieldhouse, 1400 Seventh Ave., Altoona. The 10-hour event is the largest blood drive in Blair County with a goal to collect 130 units of blood.

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for donors and is counting on people to act now and book a time to give lifesaving blood. Donors of all blood types are essential in keeping the blood supply strong enough to withstand summer challenges.

Book a time to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App and entering the sponsor code BLOODBLITZ.

Those giving blood July 13-31 will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees) to see a summer blockbuster. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/July for details.

All presenting donors will also receive a free fountain drink coupon from Sheetz and an exclusive Red Cross beach towel.

The Blair Media Blood Blitz is open to the public. Donors can save time by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Blood donors who are 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and who are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.