Local businesses are fighting blood shortages in Alaska. They are hosting blood drives and offering special deals and appreciation items to thank blood donors for coming in and to encourage more people to donate blood.

“These blood drives are a great support for patients in Alaska,” Director of Operations Roy Allen said. “Patients need O Negative and O Positive donors to come in now. We appreciate organizations in the community hosting the drives and providing items for donors. We also need donors to come to our Laurel Street and Dimond Mall locations, and some businesses are showing their support by offering appreciation gifts to all donors, including those that donate at our centers.”

In the next several weeks, people who register to donate blood can get free cotton candy, free root beer, gift cards and other great deals. Everyone who registers to donate is eligible for the deal. The offer is non-transferable and has no cash value. Donors should call (907) 222-5630 to schedule an appointment.

* Summer City Fair Blood Drive presented by Golden Wheel Amusements, noon-5 p.m. June 29, Cuddy Family Park. All registered donors can get free cotton candy; cotton candy vouchers are also available for donors at BBA centers.

* Pint for a Pint - ORSO & Glacier Brewhouse Drive, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 30, 737 W. 5th Ave. All registered donors receive a free mug of root beer and a glass. Donors also get a coupon for a free appetizer.

* Anchorage Downtown Market Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 1, 741 East 13th Ave.

* Sportsman’s Warehouse Blood Drives, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 6, 8681 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, and 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. July 6, 1917 E Parks Hwy, Wasilla. All registered donors receive a Sportsman’s Warehouse coupon for $20 off a purchase of $100 or more.

*Pint for a Pint - Moose’s Tooth Blood Drive, 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. July 7, 3300 Old Seward Hwy. All registered donors can get a free Moose's Tooth glass filled with root beer.

* Fred Meyer Sidewalk Sale and Blood Drive, July 8, Northern Lights Blvd.

* Allure Day Spa & Hair Design Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 13, 142 W. 5th Ave. All registered donors receive a $25 gift card.

Other businesses hosting upcoming blood drives include Alaska Native Medical Center, JBER Hospital, Hope Community Resources, Graybar Electric and Halliburton Energy Services.

If you would like to host a drive, please contact Wes Dahlgren at (907) 222-5633.

Alaska’s blood supply is critical for O Negative, O Positive and A Negative blood types. Type O and A Negative donors should donate as soon as possible. All donors should make appointments to donate to ensure a sufficient blood supply. To meet ongoing patient needs, Blood Bank of Alaska must see 700 blood donors each week. More donors are needed, especially with the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Recently, only about 600 donors are coming in each week, 14 percent less than needed. Donors should call (907) 222-5630 to schedule a convenient time to give. Call (907) 456-5645 in the Fairbanks area.

Blood collected in Alaska is for Alaska patients first, but when available and there’s an emergency, blood donated in the Last Frontier can also help patients in the Lower 48.