As influenza activity picks up, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need.
Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well. One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.
Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed this fall after hurricanes Michael and Florence forced the cancellation of about 200 blood drives, causing approximately 7,000 units of blood and platelets to go uncollected.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 1-15
Culver City
11/2/2018: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Julian Dixon Library, 4975 Overland Ave
El Segundo
11/14/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., El Segundo Masonic Lodge, 520 Main St
Los Angeles
11/1/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Los Angeles Fire Station 5, 8900 Emerson Ave
11/8/2018: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Adventist Health White Memorial, 1720 Cesar Chavez Ave
11/8/2018: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Adventist Health White Memorial, 1720 Cesar Chavez Ave
11/11/2018: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Iman Cultural Center, 3376 Motor Ave
11/12/2018: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Douglas Emmett, 12400 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 320
11/12/2018: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department Olympic Division, 1130 S Vermont Avenue
11/13/2018: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Miguel Contreras Learning Complex, 322 S. Lucas Ave
North Hollywood
11/6/2018: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ LDS Studio City Stake, 11022 Riverside Drive
Pacific Palisades
11/9/2018: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Seven Arrow Elementary, 15240 La Cruz Place
Santa Monica
11/5/2018: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St
11/12/2018: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St
West Los Angeles
11/3/2018: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Los Angeles Chapter, 11355 Ohio Ave
11/5/2018: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Los Angeles Chapter, 11355 Ohio Ave
11/8/2018: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Los Angeles Chapter, 11355 Ohio Ave
11/10/2018: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Red Cross Greater Los Angeles Chapter, 11355 Ohio Ave
How 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. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.
Submitted by Christine Welch