VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Many people have expressed concern during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and in many parts of the world.

But one way you can help? Donate blood.

“If you are healthy, haven’t been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and haven’t traveled outside the U.S. in the past two weeks, you may be able to donate blood,” states Theresa Will, City-County Health District administrator.

A blood drive is set Monday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Stoudt-Ross showroom in Valley City. Vitalant (formerly United Blood Services) of Fargo is seeking at least 41 healthy volunteers to make an appointment to donate blood to help maintain a safe and adequate supply of blood products in 68 area hospitals.

“It is important to make an appointment,” said Theresa Will, City-County Health District administrator. “Having a specific time to donate will regulate the social distancing guideline of at least six feet between individuals in a given space.”

Donors should stick to their scheduled appointment time unless contacted by Vitalant to come in earlier. “We don’t want people to bunch together in hope of ‘getting in earlier’ to donate,” Will cautioned. “This drive is very important, but we still want people to be safe.”

Residents are asked to make an appointment by going online to www.vitalant.org, calling 1-877-25-VITAL, using Vitalant’s free mobile app, or by calling or texting Weldon Roberts at 701-630-1338.