SOUTH FORK — According to Vitalant representative and local blood drive coordinator Karen Miller, South Fork will be hosting its annual blood drive later this year and will be one of three events for donors to give blood.  

“As of right now, we will have our first summer blood drive Saturday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the South Fork Community Building,” Miller said. 

This event is open to the public from Alamosa to Creede and beyond. All donors that make a donation, will automatically be entered for a chance to win a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. 

“The first of three Valley blood drives will be coming up on Saturday, May 8 at the South Fork Community Building,” Miller said. “It’s our same great blood drive, the same great nurses and it accomplishes the same great things for our community. Blood donation makes a monumental impact on the lives of people across the country and here locally. A lot of you have generously volunteered your time to come donate and make such a difference. Let’s have a lot more folks participate. Everyone that donates at this event gets a ticket to put in a drawing for a Harley motorcycle.” 

Vitalant is asking anyone planning to participate to remain home if they are feeling sick and to use best practices while donating blood. 

“If a donor shows symptoms of COVID, they will not be seen, and a drive can be shut down,” Miller said. “If you are sick, please stay home and follow best practices from local health officials. It is best for donors to make an appointment so we can abide by social distancing rules and masks are required by donors and staff.”  

All donors will also need their ID or donor card when they come in to donate.  

“A lot of you have generously volunteered your time to come donate and make such a difference in the past and for that we thank you,” Miller said. 

Sign up now at www.bloodhero.com, sponsor code: southfork or contact Miller at 719-873-5466 or [email protected].