Give blood, score free ice cream in Sebastopol

July 21, 2021

Local ice cream emporium Screamin’ Mimi’s and blood services company Vitalant are teaming up to do a blood drive Sunday August 1 at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. Donate blood, and you’ll walk away with a coupon for yummy ice cream!

This is the 14th year for this popular (and much needed) event. Every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion. The past year with COVID-19 has brought to light the importance of ongoing blood donations to ensure patients have what is needed. Thousands of blood drives have been canceled over the past year and regular blood donations are needed to ensure there is never a shortage of blood.

Every blood donation is tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Depending on the donation type (plasma, whole blood or Power Red) your blood donation can be used for multiple purposes; for example, for trauma patients or those with massive blood loss, for those mothers experiencing complications during childbirth, patients in cancer treatment, and more.

Donate at the Annual Screamin’ Mimi’s Pint for a Pint Blood Drive at:

Location: Sebastopol Community Cultural Center

Address: 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol

Date; Sunday, Aug.1, 2021

Time: 9 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

• Donors must be well and healthy to donate.

• Minimum age for blood donation is 16-years-old with a signed Vitalant parent or guardian consent

form found online or at the drive (parent must be present to sign).

• Photo ID required

• Hydrate well and eat a healthy meal prior to donation

Appointments are recommended. Schedule here: https://bit.ly/360q3j5

“Since we began this blood drive in 2007, thousands of lives have been impacted and well over 1,500 delicious pints of ice cream have been donated by Screamin’ Mimi’s” said Kim Walsh, Vitalant Donor Recruitment Representative.

Owner of Screamin’ Mimi’s, Maraline Olson and her team worked hard to stay open during the pandemic and strive to create a safe environment for customers and staff. “What better way to motivate people to donate blood than ice-cream? said Olson.