The Red Cross encourages residents to make blood and or platelet donations to ensure there’s a strong blood supply going into the summer.
With the need for blood being constant, the Red Cross collected more than 26,000 fewer blood donations than needed in May to meet the needs of patients. A person needs a blood transfusion in the United States every two seconds, according to the organization. Platelet donors are especially needed at this time.
The Red Cross will be hosting donation opportunities. To thank donors who give blood, platelets or plasma through June 30, the organization will offer a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give throughout June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
World Blood Donor Day, which was Wednesday, is meant to raise awareness of the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply and to recognize volunteer blood donors.
La Cañada Flintridge residents can make a donation with the Red Cross on Wednesday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crescenta-Canada Family YMCA, located at 1930 Foothill Blvd.
To make an appointment, residents can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1 (800) RED CROSS, or 1 (800) 733-2767, or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or find additional information.
A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent, where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
First published in the June 15 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
