Casa Italiana hosting blood and stem cell donor drive this Friday, Aug. 1 in Burien

Casa Italiana Cultural Center in Burien will host a blood and stem cell donor drive on August 1, 2025, from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. The event honors Joe Megale, who is currently battling leukemia, reflecting the critical need for blood donations in the community.

Bloodworks Northwest and NMDP are collaborating to facilitate the drive, with blood donations taking place in a mobile unit on-site. Participants must schedule appointments in advance and show a photo ID, with a minimum age requirement of 16. Organizers recommend that donors eat a hearty meal and stay hydrated to ensure a smooth donation process. Additionally, children under 16 cannot attend for safety reasons. This drive is part of a broader effort to increase local access to life-saving donations, emphasizing that it takes less than an hour to donate blood.

The ongoing need for local donors remains critical throughout the year.