Two blood drives are taking place Wednesday due to “critically low” levels.

Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Inc., in collaboration with ConnectLife, will host a blood drive, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The drive will be held in the main lobby of the Brooks-TLC campus at 529 Central Ave., Dunkirk.

Walk-ins are welcome, however, potential donors are encouraged to set an appointment, online, prior to June 23, by visiting ConnectLifeGiveBlood.org and using sponsor code 000447. “Our local blood supply is critically low,” said Carroll Nalepa, Brooks-TLC laboratory director and blood drive coordinator. “We’re entering a very crucial time of the year, when the need for blood typically rises. We hope to offset some of the area’s shortages with this drive.”

Area residents can be assured if they give local, it stays local, as 100-percent of the blood collected remains in the Western New York area.

All donors will receive a $5 Tops gift card and will be eligible to enter the drawing for a $50 gift card to Harvest View Greenhouses in Fredonia.

There is no waiting period after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. An update to the waiting period guidelines after receiving a tattoo have decreased to three months following the procedure.

Donors are asked to enter through Outpatient entrance, Emergency, where they will be screened. Donors must wear a mask covering both the nose and mouth while inside the hospital setting.

According to connectlife.org, the “29,006 platelet and blood donors in 2020 means 87,018 lives were saved by blood and platelet donation.”

For more information, please contact the Brooks-TLC Hospital System Marketing and Communications office at 716-363-3968, or ConnectLife.org.

Another event will take place on the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds. Adam Dolce, executive cirector of United Way of Northern Chautauqua County, said he supports the Red Cross humanitarian missions and has been donating blood for over 10 years. He is looking forward to completing his PowerRed donation at the upcoming local blood drive; which will bring him to a total of 3 gallons donated. Adam has helped save up to 72 lives.

This drive, sponsored by United Way, will be from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds in the Ag & Expo building. For eligibility information or to make an appointment download the free Blood Donor APP, go online to redcrossblood.org/give or calling 1 800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk-ins will be taken when there are openings.