The Champaign Family YMCA will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross 1-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Y, 191 Community Drive in Urbana.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call 800-RED CROSS or sign up online at redcrossblood.org with sponsor code: ChampaignYMCA.

“Hosting a blood drive coincides with The Y’s core values of giving back to the community,” said Paul Waldsmith, CEO of the Champaign Family YMCA. “With a simple blood donation, we have the ability to help save someone’s life. We urge eligible donors to join us in the selfless act of giving blood.”

Blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and trauma victims, according to the Red Cross.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone and is often used to treat trauma patients.