The Clovis Rodeo Association and the Central California Blood Center, are preparing the 8th annual Rodeo Blood Drive and inviting the community to ride on out and take part in a great, western life-saving tradition Thursday, April 24. Whether you arrive dressed in your cowboy/cowgirl "duds" on your Rodeo commemorative T-shirt from a previous year, the Blood Center and the Clovis Rodeo Association are inviting you to take just an hour from your day to "help patients in valley hospitals get back in the saddle again." Since the very first Rodeo Blood Drive in 2001, nearly 7,000 folks have attended and registered to donate.

"This blood drive is a tradition that is very special to the central valley. Come and enjoy the rodeo experience before anyone else and you and 'ride away' knowing you helped save someone's life," said Dean Eller, President and CEO of the Central California Blood Center." We promise this year's event will be like no other."

To take part, just stop by the Clovis Rodeo Grounds from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or one of the four Central California Blood Center locations between 8 a.m. and p.m. Each donor will receive a commemorative Rodeo T-shirt, Clovis Rodeo discounts, a chance to win Rodeo related prizes and delicious treats for every donor provided by generous area businesses. At the Rodeo grounds, meet champion cowboys, rodeo royalty and special guests who will visit throughout the drive.

Blood donation takes less than one hour to complete. Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old. Senior citizens are encouraged to donate, as there is no upper age limit. Donors should eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within 4 hours prior to donation. Donors can give blood every eight weeks. Photo ID and social security number are required at donor registration.

The Central California Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood products for the 31 hospitals in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings and Mariposa Counties and must collect between 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood a month to meet the needs of our valley community.

For more information go to the Central California Blood Center, Rodeo Blood Drive, or the Clovis Rodeo