Ocean City will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Ocean City Civic Center at Sixth Street and the Boardwalk.

Ocean City and the American Red Cross invite all residents, groups and businesses to donate.  

To be eligible to donate blood through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years old and in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated in the last 56 days. The American Red Cross is especially in need of Type O blood donors.

This year, in conjunction with the regular blood drive, the American Red Cross is holding a Mobile Platelet Collection. According to the American Red Cross, platelets aid in the clotting process to prevent or stop bleeding and are vital in helping cancer, burn and trauma patients. Due to advances in medical treatment, the demand for platelets is growing dramatically. The platelet donation process takes approximately two hours and donors must pre-register to ensure they meet eligibility requirements. 

Appointments for the regular blood drive are preferred, but not required.  To make an appointment, please call city offices at 609-525-9365 or sign up at the City Hall reception area 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Signups will also be taken online at www.redcrossblood.org (enter sponsor code 0221272).  For more information and eligibility requirements, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.