Blood Drive to be Held at Westwood Mason Lodge This Saturday

The American Red Cross and the Westwood Freemasons are holding a blood drive on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The blood drive is one of five held at Westwood's Prospect Lodge throughout the Freemason year, which starts in September. As such, this is the first of the drives with the second coming on October 30.

The Freemasons provide the location and volunteers to cook food and make people feel comfortable at all times, said according to Board Chairman Jeff Jarvis. The Red Cross sends representatives to perform the blood drive.

The Westwood Health Department approved the license for food to be provided at the drive, though the health department is not directly involved with the event.

Anyone 17 years or older can donate blood. Jarvis expects about 50 pints of blood to be taken between about 50 or 60 people. They need all the help they can get, Jarvis said, with only about 15 percent the blood actually able to be used. This is usually due to medications someone may be on, traveling or certain sicknesses.

"The Freemasons will be busy cooking up some food, making everyone feel comfortable," said Jarvis. "We'll have pancakes, waffles, yogurt, bagels; all that good stuff."

The Westwood Masonic Building is located at 655 High Street. For more information, visit the Prospect Lodge website.