Ignacio residents interested in donating blood can stop by the Ignacio Community Library between 1 and 5 p.m. Thursday.

The blood drive will be held in a bus outside the building and is being administered by Vitalant, a blood donation service.

Lindsay Reichert, assistant at the library, does not want people to worry that they may not be able to donate blood as a result of any recent illnesses.

“Everyone can donate,” Reichert said, adding, “There is an age limit, though. You have to be over 18.”

Those interested in donating can walk in whenever they want, but they can also set up a time to come in.

“People can sign up online on the Ignacio Community Library website or they can contact me,” Reichert said.

Those who donate at the library can also expect a little treat for their efforts once they are done.

“They’ll have refreshments on the bus,” Reichert said. “Cookies and a glass of juice to get the blood pressure back up.”

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. Often, there is an assumption that blood transfusions are needed only for those with traumatic injuries, but those with illnesses such as cancer, kidney disease and hemophilia also require regular transfusions.

Only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly.

molsen@durangoherald.com