Lee Memorial Blood Centers is hosting a blood drive on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. 2 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post, located at 25 Homestead Road, Lehigh Acres.

Donors will receive a free pancake breakfast and a Blood Center T-shirt for blood donation.

All blood collected remains in the Lee Memorial Health System to serve the community. Lee Memorial Health System uses 800 plus units of blood each week. With both The Children’s Hospital and the only trauma center within a five-county area, the need for blood locally remains constant, and needs to be replenished daily. All blood types are currently needed.

The requirements to give blood are:

Age: At least 17 years old (16 with written parental consent) and in good general health. There is no upper age limit.

Weight: Minimum of 115 pounds.

Identification: Must provide photo ID with date of birth.

Food: Eat a good meal before giving and drink plenty of fluids.

Medications: Many medications such as insulin, blood pressure, thyroid, cholesterol, aspirin, antidepressants, and hormone replacement do not necessarily prevent someone from giving blood.