LifeStream Blood Bank pits nine Coachella Valley cities against each other for a good cause

The 9 Cities Challenge is back again starting Friday, to help collect blood during the summer months when supply usually runs low.

The challenge is two months long starting Friday, June 23 in the KESQ - News Channel 3 parking lot located at 31276 Dunham Way in Thousand Palms. A bloodmobile will be on the lot from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. collecting donations.

Donors will receive a limited edition 9 Cities bucket hat while supplies last.

The challenge includes Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage.

LifeStream said, "This blood challenge is a way to direct a positive, meaningful focus of community energy toward assisting those who are the most vulnerable."

The bloodmobile will be at several locations in the next two months where people can donate. You can find a list of locations on the LifeStream website.

The donations help with the blood supply in the region.

Dr. AxelRod with LifeStream said it sees a decline in blood donations during the summer months largely because of schools being out of session. Donations out of high schools and colleges make up for 25% of blood donations according to LifeStream.

You can schedule an appointment for any of the locations by calling 800-879-4484.