MASSENA -- The Massena Memorial Hospital Blood Drive will be held Sept. 18 in the Community Education Room, Lower Level of the hospital, from 11a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Refreshments will be available.

To donate blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and feeling well the day of the donation, and must not have had a tattoo or body piercing within the last year.

For more information, please call the Massena Memorial Hospital Public Relations Office at 769-4262.

OGDENSBURG -- The American Red Cross is holding a special blood drive in memory of Eugene "Gene" Oberg Sept. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army at 401 Franklin St.

Gene Oberg was a dedicated lifetime blood donor.

He started donating regularly in the 1960s and continued donating until November 2010. Gene passed away this past August at the age of 92, but his memory lives on in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Whenever Gene saw a blood drive in his community and he was eligible he would stop in and donate. As a result of his dedication, he donated almost 23 gallons of blood during his lifetime, potentially helping to save over 550 lives. In 2002, Gene was awarded “Citizen of the Year” at his local VFW and the Red Cross presented him with a plaque in appreciation for his support of the lifesaving mission of the organization.

Local blood donors are needed all year round to ensure the blood supply stays strong. Approximately every two seconds a patient in the United States needs blood.

All donors during the month of September will receive a voucher good for two great offers from Monro Muffler.

Walk-ins are always welcome, but donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org.