UPDATE: The location for participants to line up in the drive-thru flu shot clinic has changed. Enter the covered parking garage from Fireweed Street and follow the signs.
There will be several public health events this month on the peninsula giving residents the opportunity to prepare for flu season, discard old medications or donate blood.
Community Drug Take Back Day
Unused or expired medications can be safely discarded during a community take back day. This year, the event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Soldotna Police Department, 44510 Sterling Highway. Participants will receive a free coffee card.
Drive-thru flu shots
Central Peninsula Hospital is offering free drive-thru flu vaccinations for adults. The event is on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The event is 3-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16. To reach the event, enter the covered parking garage from Binkley Street on to Vine Avenue, by Soldotna Pharmacy, and follow the signs.
Flu shot clinic
For residents using Medicare Part B, the Sterling Senior Center, with Safeway/Carrs Pharmacy, is hosting a flu shot clinic at noon, Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the senior center.
Blood Drive
The Alaska Blood Bank will be in Kenai with their LifeMOBILE.
Wes Dahlgren, the blood bank’s director of communication and recruitment, said the mobile blood bank makes it to the peninsula about three or four times a year. There is no regular spot on the Kenai Peninsula to donate blood, he said.
Dahlgren said that residents who donate during the blood drive will be supporting their own community. All of the blood gathered at the blood drive will go to supply the Central Peninsula Hospital.
To prepare for donating blood, Dahlgren asks people to eat well, stay hydrated, bring a photo ID and visit the blood bank’s website for additional information.
Interested donors are encouraged to make an appointment for themselves, either online at donate.bloodbankofalaska.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/39132, or over the phone at 907-222-5630.
The drive is being held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Kenai City Hall, 210 Fidalgo Ave. Kenai.
