Versiti Blood Center of Ohio will host nine community blood drives across Mercer County during October.

Residents are encouraged to donate to help support the blood supply used by hospitals and patients undergoing cancer treatment, surgery, treatment for chronic conditions or recovery from traumatic injuries.

The October schedule includes:

• Mercer County Sheriff’s Office: Friday, October 2, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Garage, 4835 State Route 29 in Celina.
• Fort Recovery American Legion: Monday, October 5, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Fort Recovery Legion Social Hall, 2490 State Route 49.
• Coldwater American Legion Post 470: Wednesday, October 7, from 1 to 7 p.m. at 601 North Second Street in Coldwater.
• Signature 4: Thursday, October 15, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at 149 Harvest Drive in Coldwater.
• Celina Moose Lodge #1473: Thursday, October 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 1120 East Market Street in Celina.
• Mercer Health Hospital: Tuesday, October 20, from noon to 6 p.m. at 800 West Main Street in Coldwater.
• Bruns Construction Enterprises Celina: Thursday, October 22, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at 6781 Hellwarth Road in Celina.
• Grand Lake Health/Premier Health North YMCA: Tuesday, October 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the YMCA Celina, 7590 State Route 703.
• Moeller Brew Barn Maria Stein: Thursday, October 29, from noon to 3 p.m. at 8016 Marion Drive in Maria Stein.

Walk-ins are welcome at the blood drives.

Appointments can also be scheduled by calling 937-461-3220 or through Versiti Blood Center of Ohio’s website.

Versiti says each blood donation helps strengthen the supply available to hospitals and communities throughout the region.