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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa Media Blood Drive celebrates its 20^th anniversary with their drive August, 12.

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center holds the blood drive and supplies area hospitals with blood.

The blood center likes to have at least a five day supply of blood on hand, but they have been living below their comfort level this summer.

The Media Blood Drive will help them replenish their blood supply.

“We expect low donation rates, we expect a decline in our collection in the summer months but this year has been lower than what we expect. I encourage anyone who is considering donating blood to donate at the media blood drive on August 12,” said Donor relations consultant Ashleigh Steele.

The blood center encourages people with all blood types and first time donors to lifetime donors to come out.

They purposely plan the Media Blood Drive for late summer.

“We know that by this time in the summer we are probably experiencing low inventory but it is also an opportunity for people who have never donated blood to come on out and give it a try.”

It is important for all blood types to donate.

“Even if you are a really common blood type like O+ or A+ there is still a need for you blood. Locally, there is a constant need, but particularly O- we encourage them to donated because they are universal meaning anybody can receive their blood.”

The goal is to collect 85 units of blood.

The Blood drive runs August 12^th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m at the Bridge View Center.

Scheduling an appointment is preferred, but walk-ins are always welcome.

To schedule and appointment click here.