The American Red Cross of Santa Monica and 95.5 KLOS Radio will host the 30th Annual American Red Cross/KLOS blood drive in Santa Monica Friday, July 29, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those wishing to participate in the drive are encouraged to make an appointment. Local residents can call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Persons in good health over the age of 17 (age 16 if accompanied by a parent) and who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood. A photo ID is required for blood donations. Potential donors should drink plenty of water and eat normally before giving blood.

Donations will be taken at the Santa Monica Red Cross chapter at 1450 11th Street in Santa Monica near Broadway. Free parking is available. .

Participants in this year’s Red Cross/KLOS Blood Drive will receive a commemorative 2011 KLOS Blood Drive T-shirt, a free Queso appetizer from Chili’s and a concert voucher (per blood donor with a scheduled appointment) to one of the following concerts at the Greek Theater: George Thorogood (July 31), Yes/Styx (August 2), Hippiefest (August 4) or Cheap Trick (September 23) — all courtesy of Nederlander Concerts, or Judas Priest/Thin Lizzy (October 22) at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino courtesy of Live Nation.

The Red Cross of Santa Monica will hold its thirteenth annual Citizen CPR Saturday on July 30, 2011. Free adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) classes will be offered all day.

Citizen CPR Saturday will be held at the Ken Edwards Center, 1527 Fourth Street (between Colorado and Broadway) in Santa Monica. Limited free parking is available.

This non-certification training is divided into three one-hour class sessions –- 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Classes consist of text, lecture and hands-on CPR/AED training. Participants will learn how to overcome a reluctance to act in emergency situations as well as recognize and care for cardiac or life-threatening respiratory emergencies.

The Red Cross urges people to register in advance to ensure a place. Call
310-394-3773 ( Monday through Friday business hours) or 800-627-7000. Participants should check in 15 minutes before they’re scheduled to start,

Red Cross CPR classes for certification are given throughout the year, but this is one of the few opportunities for the public to learn various life-saving techniques free. During the past fourteen years, more than 4,400 area residents have taken advantage of this free opportunity to learn CPR.

This event is a part of KABC, Channel 7′s “ABCs of a Safe Summer.” campaign and is being held in conjunction with the City of Santa Monica. For information about Citizen CPR Saturday, go online at www.redcrossofsantamonica.org or call the Santa Monica Red Cross during business hours, Monday through Friday at 310-394-3773 and mention “CPR Saturday.”

The American Red Cross of Santa Monica is a publicly supported, 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation that provides health and safety education, youth services, CPR and first aid training, disaster awareness and disaster relief efforts. For additional information or to inquire about other programs or assistance call 310-394-3773 or go online at www.redcrossofsantamonica.org.