(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is partnering with Vitalant to host a blood drive on Monday, Sept. 30, at Fire Station 19 at 2490 Research Parkway, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and invites the community to help save lives. The drive aims to address a shortage of type O blood, which has dropped to an 18-month low. Vitalant has opened 63 donor appointments, intending to collect 41 units. "Power Red" donations will also be available for people with O-, O+, A-, and B+ blood types to donate red blood cells while safely returning plasma and platelets to donors. With help from UCHealth, CSFD Medical Lieutenants recently became the first in the state to carry type O whole blood for field transfusions, aiding over 25 patients in various medical emergencies and giving them a greater chance at survival. Donors are required to make an appointment to give blood. Community members can sign up using Blood Drive Code "B222" at the link above.