Emergency Call For Donations and Help Save Lives
Blood donations have fallen short of expectations for the past two months causing a significant draw down of the Red Cross blood supply.
“It’s crucial that people donate now to meet the needs of patients every day and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services.
How to Help
Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.
Summer Months Lead to Shortage
The summer months are among the most challenging times of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they vacation and participate in summer activities. New donors and those who haven’t given in a while are especially encouraged to roll up a sleeve and help save lives.
Who Blood Donations Help
Every two seconds in the United States blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant procedures, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
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Aptos
July 15: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Dr.
Ben Lomond
July 21: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ben Lomond, 9545 Lovecreek Rd
Capitola
July 14: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Avenue
Santa Cruz
July 17: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Simpkins Family Swim Center, 979 17th Avenue
July 18: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Santa Cruz Fire Station No. 1, 711 Center St.
July 19: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk Street
Watsonville
July 24: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Pajaro Valley Health Trust Hall, 85 Nielson Street