The Wellesley Dental Group is teaming up with the Wellesley Community Center to host a community blood donation drive on Friday, February 17, 1pm – 6pm at the Community Center, 219 Washington St. The drive, held in cooperation with the American Red Cross, aims to collect at least 50 units of lifesaving blood.

Donors with the following blood types are invited to donate by the Red Cross’ double red cell technology (2RBC): O- , O+, A- , B-. The technology is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you.

Prospective donors can also pre-register. Enter sponsor code WellesleyCC. Donors can also complete pre-reading and health history questions online at Red Cross RapidPass and print out the form on the day of the blood drive.

Note: The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the Zika virus. We ask that you not to donate if any Zika Virus exposures apply to you. (Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Miami, Dade and Broward Counties, Florida) Donate blood four weeks after your last risk exposure.

Please bring picture identification and remember to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

For questions, contract: smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com, (781) 237-90