BELLAIRE — Belmont County Veterans Service Commission’s fourth annual “Give For Those Who Gave” blood drive is set for noon to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The blood drive will take place at Belmont County Veterans Service Office, 3326 Belmont St., Bellaire.

The public, veterans and non-veterans alike, have shown their support for this cause time and again, with donations increasing every year. It is important for as many people to give this year. Last year, the drive had 33 donors and led to the American Red Cross scheduling another blood drive last November with equally impressive results.

“Give For Those Who Gave” is more than just a blood drive. It is a way for people to show their respect for service members and veterans by making a meaningful sacrifice that helps save lives.

Donating blood is a great way to give to the community and to help others when they need it the most and, as veterans, the Belmont County Veterans Service Commission and office staff are fully aware of the need for blood donations. Whether it’s for a soldier who was wounded on the battlefield in a distant land, a patient receiving treatment at a VA hospital or a child receiving care at a local emergency room there is a need for blood donors in every community – every day.

“It’s a fitting way to remember the sacrifices made by the men and women who have worn a uniform in defense of our country, especially so close to Memorial Day,” said BCVSO Executive Director Lucinda Maupin. “Considering what they have done, it really is a small sacrifice, just a pint of blood, to make in their honor while helping to save lives, the lives they protected.”

Appointments are already being taken, and those who want to donate are encouraged to reserve an appointment time by contacting either the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS, visiting the website redcrossblood.org and enter veterans or by calling the BCVSO at 740-325-1042. There are also links at the BCVSO webpage www.belmontcountyveterans.org and its Facebook page www.facebook.com/BCVSO.

Like the November blood drive, donors will have the option to use “Rapid Pass” on the day of the event. Donors will be able to go online to redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and read and answer the pre-donation questionnaire in advance of the appointment. Then, all the donor has to do is either print it out or email the confirmation to their mobile device to show the Red Cross when they come to donate.

Donors can give six times a year, and each single donation can save three lives.

Food and drink will be provided for those who give.

According to the American Red Cross, all blood types are needed, with a particular need for type O negative. O-negative is the universal red blood cell that can be given to any patient and is commonly used for premature infants and in emergency room for trauma patients.

All blood types however are needed and some serve extra purposes. O-positive blood can be given to about 84 percent of the population. Type A donors’ blood platelets are compatible with 85 percent of the population. Platelets are need to support patients undergoing cancer treatment. Type A blood cells and platelets are in demand because it is the second most prevalent blood type.

Type AB is the universal plasma and can be given to all blood types. Type B patients can only receive type B and type O red blood cells. Because of the need to maintain an adequate supply of type O, type B is important for type B patients.