KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) — Cheshire Medical Center will sponsor and host an American Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, January 8, as part of ongoing efforts to support the region’s blood supply and lifesaving medical care.

The drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in North Conference Rooms 1 and 2 at the medical center and is open to members of the public, patients, and hospital employees. Appointments are required in advance.

According to the American Red Cross, while approximately 38 percent of Americans are eligible to donate blood or platelets, fewer than 10 percent do so each year. Each pint of blood collected can help save up to three lives.

“If you are healthy and eligible, please book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross and Cheshire Medical Center,” Cheshire Medical Center said on its website.

According to Cheshire Medical’s website, the Red Cross has more than 135 years of experience providing humanitarian aid and has supplied blood to hospitals and patients for more than 75 years.

Individuals who are unable to donate on January 8 can search for and register for other nearby blood drives through the American Red Cross. Donors are reminded they must wait at least eight weeks, or 56 days, between whole blood donations.

Additional American Red Cross blood drives at Cheshire Medical Center are scheduled for April 9, August 6, and October 28, 2026.