United Blood Services is taking part in United We Serve, a national effort launched by President Obama to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer. 

United We Serve kicked off on June 22 and runs through September 11, which will be marked for the first time as a national day of service and remembrance. The initiative focuses on four key areas: education, health, energy and the environment and community renewal. It is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives and strengthens communities though volunteering and service.

“This summer, I'm calling on all of you to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation,” said President Obama “Economic recovery is as much about what you’re doing in your communities as what we’re doing in Washington – and it’s going to take all of us, working together.”

To make it easy for individuals to get involved, the Corporation created Serve.gov, a website that allows visitors to type in their zip code to find local volunteer opportunities, recruit volunteers by posting their organization’s projects, or get ideas for creating their own projects with friends, families and neighbors. 

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger. All blood donors receive a free cholesterol test and are automatically recognized in the Hero in Me Rewards program. The program uses Gold, Silver and Bronze recognition levels to offer benefits to donors who give regularly during a calendar year.

Anyone interested in donating blood may visit our appointment scheduling site to make an appointment.