St. Edward's Episcopal Church, 2453 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, will host a blood drive on Thursday, May 18, from 2 to 7 p.m. Blood that is collected will stay in Lancaster County to benefit members of the local community.

Blood donors must be in good health - free of flu, cold and nausea symptoms for at least three days; be 16 years of age (with parental consent) to 74 years of age; and weigh at least 110 pounds. Blood donors should be well hydrated, eat a substantial meal within four hours before donating and bring a form of ID to the blood drive.

Appointments are encouraged and will receive priority. To make an appointment, call 717-544-0177 or visit http://www.LGhealth.org/giveblood, choose "Local Blood Drive Events" and search for "St. Edward's Church." Donors will receive a free gift.

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health sponsors community blood drives every week throughout Lancaster County, as well as at the Blood Donor Center at the Suburban Pavilion.

For more information about St. Edward's Episcopal Church, call 717-898-6276 or visit http://www.sainteds.org or http://www.facebook.com/stedslancaster.