Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS) is hosting a community blood drive to help increase much needed blood donations.

In addition to being a hero for someone in need of a blood donation, donors can automatically enroll in the Find the Hero in You program, which provides regular donors the opportunity to earn points toward great rewards, such as movies, ice cream, e-gift cards and more.

While donations of all blood types are encouraged, donors with Type O-negative and Type AB (positive or negative) are especially needed. Please bring photo ID and donor card to your appointment. A free cholesterol test is completed with every donation.

The mobile blood drive will take place Tuesday, August 16, 2016 from 9am until 1pmat SVMHS, 450 East Romie Lane, Salinas. The United Blood Services van will accept pre-registered blood donors in the MRI parking lot in front of the hospital, at the corner of Romie Lane and Wilgart Way.

Due to the Zika Advisory, people who have traveled in the past four weeks to an area where Zika is present should not donate blood. There are other donation restrictions for anyone who has shown symptoms of Zika or been in contact with someone who has the Zika virus.

Registration is required to participate in the August 16th mobile blood drive. Go to www.svmh.com and register at the Give Blood icon or call SVMHS Health Promotions for more information at 831-759-1890.