The American Red Cross urges those who have never given blood before – as well as those who haven’t given recently – to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now and help sustain a sufficient community blood supply this summer.
While the need for blood is constant during the summer months, the Red Cross experiences a drastic decline in new donors. Nationwide, nearly one-third fewer new donors came out to give last summer than during the rest of the year. Additionally, many schools where blood drives are held – and where new donors give – are not in session, and current donors often delay giving due to summer vacation plans.
While about 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, less than 10 percent of those eligible actually do. The blood donation process takes about an hour with the actual donation only taking about 10 minutes. Whether new to donating blood or a lifelong donor, the Red Cross offers helpful tips for an enjoyable donation experience:
- As much as possible, eat iron-rich foods leading up to your donation.
- Hydrate – drink an extra 16 oz. of liquid before and after the donation.
- Have a healthy meal before the donation.
- Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
- Complete a RapidPass on the day of donation, prior to arriving, to save time.
- Remember to bring a picture ID, blood donor card or two other forms of identification.
“Every day, we have thousands of lives to help save, but blood and platelet donations often do not keep pace with hospital demand during the summer months,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services. “In less time than it can take to go out to eat, you can make a lifesaving difference for cancer patients, accident victims and others in need.”
Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Agoura Hills
6/12/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton, 28901 Canwood St
Alhambra
6/14/2017: 6:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m., Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, 900 S. Fremont Ave
Arcadia
6/5/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Arcadia Chapter, 376 W Huntington Dr
6/6/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Arcadia Chapter, 376 W Huntington Dr
6/9/2017: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., Posey Products LLC, 5635 Peck Rd.
Bellflower
6/15/2017: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Bethany Christian Reformed Church, 17054 Bixby Avenue
Burbank
6/1/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Burbank Elk's Lodge #1497, 2232 N Hollywood Way
6/8/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Worthe Real Estate Group, 2255 N Ontario St, Suite 105
6/13/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Burbank Elk's Lodge #1497, 2232 N Hollywood Way
6/15/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Burbank Elk's Lodge #1497, 2232 N Hollywood Way
Canoga Park
6/13/2017: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 7045 Farralone
Canyon Cntry
6/11/2017: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., St Clare Catholic Church, 19606 Calla Way
Canyon Country
6/9/2017: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., The Oaks Apartments, 27105 Silver Oak Lane
Cerritos
5/31/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., RD Abbott Company, 16511 Carmenita Road
City of Industry
6/1/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Swat Fame Clothing, 16425 E Gale Ave
Claremont
6/6/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Claremont St Luke's Church, 2050 N Indian Hill Blvd
6/13/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Claremont St Luke's Church, 2050 N Indian Hill Blvd
6/13/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Pomona College Edmunds Ballroom, 6th and College Way
6/13/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Claremont Manor, 650 West Harrison Ave
Compton
6/4/2017: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., St Albert the Great Church, 804 E. Compton Blvd.
Culver City
6/9/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dogeared Inc, 6047 Bristol Parkway
Downey
5/31/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Los Angeles County Office of Education, 12830 Columbia Way
El Monte
6/6/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., El Monte Comprehensive Health, 10953 Ramona Blvd
6/7/2017: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., El Monte Rosemead Adult School, 10807 Ramona Blvd
6/7/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., El Monte Rosemead Adult School, 10807 Ramona Blvd
El Segundo
6/14/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., El Segundo Masonic Lodge, 520 Main St
Encino
6/4/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., St Cyril of Jerusalem Parish, 15520 Ventura Blvd
Glendale
6/1/2017: 1:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Verdugo Hills Hospital, 1812 Verdugo Blvd.
6/1/2017: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., Verdugo Hills Hospital, 1812 Verdugo Blvd.
6/3/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., American Red Cross Glendale, 1501 S. Brand Blvd.
6/6/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Glendale, 1501 S. Brand Blvd.
6/7/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Los Angeles Federal Credit Union, 300 S Glendale
6/8/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Glendale, 1501 S. Brand Blvd.
6/13/2017: 1:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Glendale Adventist Medical Center, 1509 Wilson Terrace
6/13/2017: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., Glendale Adventist Medical Center, 1509 Wilson Terrace
Glendora
6/6/2017: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., CalPortland, 2025 Financial Way
Granada Hills
6/4/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., St John Baptist De La Salle, 10738 Hayvenhurst
6/5/2017: 11:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Granada Hills Pavillion, 11128 Balboa Blvd
6/10/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Granada Hills Pavillion, 11128 Balboa Blvd
6/12/2017: 11:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Granada Hills Pavillion, 11128 Balboa Blvd
Hacienda Heights
6/12/2017: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Los Altos High School, 15325 Los Robles Ave.
Lancaster
5/30/2017: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Antelope Valley Family YMCA, 43001 10th St W Lancaster
Long Beach
6/2/2017: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Little Owl Preschool, 3426 Linden Ave
6/2/2017: 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Long Beach Chapter, 3150 E 29th St
6/3/2017: 7:45 a.m. - 2 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Long Beach Chapter, 3150 E 29th St
6/5/2017: 12:45 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Long Beach Chapter, 3150 E 29th St
6/7/2017: 12:45 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Long Beach Chapter, 3150 E 29th St
6/9/2017: 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Long Beach Chapter, 3150 E 29th St
6/10/2017: 7:45 a.m. - 2 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Long Beach Chapter, 3150 E 29th St
6/11/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., St Barnabas Catholic Church, 3955 Orange Ave
6/12/2017: 12:45 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Long Beach Chapter, 3150 E 29th St
6/12/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Healthcare Partners, 2699 Atlantic Avenue
6/13/2017: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., St Mary Medical Center, 1050 Linden Ave
6/14/2017: 12:45 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Long Beach Chapter, 3150 E 29th St
Los Angeles
6/1/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Los Angeles Fire Station 5, 8900 Emerson Ave
6/1/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Assurance Learning Academy, 4126 Arlington Avenue
6/1/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wilshire Meters, 730 Masselin Ave
6/6/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, 1149 S Broadway
6/7/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Constellation Place, 10250 Constellation Blvd
6/7/2017: 9:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Los Angeles City Hall, 200 North Spring St
6/8/2017: 9:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Los Angeles City Hall, 200 North Spring St
6/11/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Mother of Sorrow Catholic Church, 114 W 87th Street
6/11/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., St Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church, 2023 E Nadeau Street
6/12/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., WREN Apartments Phase #1, 1230 S. Olive Street
6/12/2017: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department Olympic Division, 1130 S Vermont Avenue
6/13/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., BH GLAAR, 6330 San Vicente Boulevard
6/14/2017: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., YWCA Union Pacific Empowerment Center, 4315 Union Pacific Ave
6/14/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., AON Center, 707 Wilshire Blvd
6/15/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Los Angeles Fire Station 5, 8900 Emerson Ave
Lynwood
6/13/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., St Francis Medical Center, 3630 Imperial Hwy
Malibu
6/8/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Malibu City Hall Multi-Purpose Room, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road
Marina del Rey
6/13/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors, 13650 Mindanao Way
Monterey Park
6/14/2017: 6:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., Garfield Medical Center, 605 N. Garfield
Montrose
6/15/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Montrose Library, 2465 Honolulu Ave
North Hollywood
6/6/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Christian Church, 4390 Colfax
Northridge
6/5/2017: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Northridge Branch Library, 9051 Darby Avenue
Norwalk
6/2/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Norwalk Community Masonic Center, 12345 Rosecrans Ave
6/5/2017: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Cerritos College Falcon Square, 11110 E. Alondra Blvd.
6/6/2017: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Cerritos College Falcon Square, 11110 E. Alondra Blvd.
6/7/2017: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Cerritos College Falcon Square, 11110 E. Alondra Blvd.
6/8/2017: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Cerritos College Falcon Square, 11110 E. Alondra Blvd.
6/8/2017: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Cerritos College Falcon Square, 11110 E. Alondra Blvd.
6/8/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Los Angeles County Department of Social Services Academy, 12440 E Imperial Hwy
6/8/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Metro State Hospital / James Hall, 11401 S. Bloomfield
6/12/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Norwalk Community Masonic Center, 12345 Rosecrans Ave
Palmdale
5/30/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Antelope Valley Chapter, 2715 E Avenue P
6/2/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Antelope Valley Chapter, 2715 E Avenue P
6/4/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., DryTown Water Park, 3850 East Avenue S
6/6/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Antelope Valley Chapter, 2715 E Avenue P
6/9/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Antelope Valley Chapter, 2715 E Avenue P
6/13/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Antelope Valley Chapter, 2715 E Avenue P
Panorama City
6/3/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Panorama City American Legion Hall, 13553 Reedley Ave
Pasadena
Pasadena Blood Donation Center
133 N Altadena Dr, Suite 103
Monday: 12:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Tuesday: 12:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Wednesday: 12:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Thursday: 11:15 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Friday: 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Pico Rivera
6/11/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., St Hilary Catholic Church, 5465 S. Citronell Ave
6/4/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., St Marianne de Paredes Cathollic Church, 7922 S Passons
Pomona
Pomona Blood Donation Center
100 Red Cross Circle
Monday: 11:15 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Tuesday: 12:45 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 12:45 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 11:15 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Friday: 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
6/1/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Henkels and McCoy, 21 Rancho Camino Drive
6/1/2017: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Cal Poly Bronco Student Center, 3801 W. Temple Ave
Redondo Beach
6/12/2017: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Residence Inn, 2420 Marine Avenue
6/15/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Redondo Beach Public Library, 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy
Rolling Hills Estates
6/10/2017: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Palos Verdes Street Fair, 27570 Norris Center Drive
Rowland Heights
6/9/2017: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Schabarum Park, 17250 Colima Road
San Dimas
6/15/2017: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m., Crunch Fitness, 192 Village Court
San Gabriel
6/15/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., San Gabriel Valley Medical Center, 438 W Las Tunas Drive
Santa Clarita
6/2/2017: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Old Town Newhall Library, 24500 Main Street
6/7/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks
6/9/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library, 18601 Soledad Canyon Rd.
6/10/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks
Santa Monica
6/7/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St
6/12/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St
Sherman Oaks
6/1/2017: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Renegade 83, 12925 Riverside Dr
Torrance
Torrance Blood Donation Center
2814 Sepulveda Blvd
Monday: 12:45 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 12:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Wednesday: 12:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Thursday: 11:15 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Friday: 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
6/14/2017: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Ken Miller Recreation Center, 3341 Civic Center Dr
Van Nuys
6/6/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Daltile, 16201 Stagg Street
Walnut
6/7/2017: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Mt San Antonio College, 1100 N. Grand Ave
6/8/2017: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Mt San Antonio College, 1100 N. Grand Ave
West Covina
6/2/2017: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Plaza West Covina, 112 Plaza Dr
6/9/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., West Covina Masonic Center, 1201 S Orange Avenue
6/14/2017: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Queen of the Valley Hospital, 1115 S. Sunset Ave
West Los Angeles
6/3/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Los Angeles Chapter, 11355 Ohio Ave
6/5/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Los Angeles Chapter, 11355 Ohio Ave
6/8/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Los Angeles Chapter, 11355 Ohio Ave
Whittier
6/7/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Montebello Whittier Masonic Lodge, 7604 Greenleaf Avenue
6/14/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Montebello Whittier Masonic Lodge, 7604 Greenleaf Avenue
Winnetka
6/12/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Department of Motor Vehicles, 20725 Sherman Way
Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center
6338 Variel Ave
Monday: 12:45 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 12:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Wednesday:12:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m
Friday: 8:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Saturday: 7:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
6/5/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Dassault Systemes USA, 6320 Canoga Avenue, 3rd Floor
How to donate blood
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. Those who come out to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross June 7 through World Blood Donor Day on June 14 will receive a limited-edition Nexcare Give bandage with the theme “Roll up a sleeve and give where you live,” featuring vibrant city-inspired designs reflecting landmarks and locales from around the globe. 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.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. 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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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