There will be a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 14 at the base gym on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Organizers say the need for blood is constant, and activities such as holiday travel, visits from out of town guests, deployments and other factors can prohibit regular volunteer donors from contributing. People who have never before donated are asked to join this effort.

Donating blood takes about an hour of your time, and each gift can potentially save three lives. Donations help troops and also those who have suffered trauma, those battling cancer, premature babies and others.

Appointments are available by going to Military Life Force and using the sponsor code NASWI. Those who show up at their scheduled time will be allowed to go to the front of the line.

Donors should be well hydrated and should have eaten within four hours.

Those with questions may contact the laboratory officer at Naval Hospital Oak Harbor at 257-9683 or go to Military Life Force.