Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January to help increase donations during the winter months. Maintaining a sufficient blood supply for patients is difficult at this time of year because of winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout and patient need. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative.
Karla Essmiller became a blood donor in college. She said. “Donating blood is a simple gift that I can make that may help up to three people live another day. That makes me feel like a hero.”
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Upcoming blood donation opportunities for Santa Cruz County
Felton
Jan. 15 from 1 to 6 p.m. – Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9
Santa Cruz
Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.
Jan. 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Paradigm Sport, 120 Dubois St., Suite B
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To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Blood donors can now save time by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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The American Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.