Summer Blood Donations Needed: Where To Give Around Benicia

News from the American Red Cross:

EAST BAY, CA -- The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients now and throughout the summer.

Blood donations often decline in the summer months, especially around summer holidays when donors are less available to give. The need for blood doesn’t decrease though – every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood or platelets. In fact, a recent survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors showed that nearly half knew someone who needed blood or they needed blood themselves.

To encourage more people to donate around Independence Day, all those who come out to donate blood July 1-5, 2016, will receive a limited-edition Red Cross lunch cooler, while supplies last.

Donors of all blood types are needed now. Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Contra Costa County

Brentwood
July 14 from noon to 6 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Brentwood, 2350 Jeffery Way

Concord
July 6 from noon to 6 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Concord, 3700 Concord Blvd.
July 8 from noon to 6 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Concord, 1360 Alberta Way

Pittsburg
July 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 3200 Harbor St.

Pleasant Hill
July 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
July 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
July 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
July 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
July 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
July 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
July 15 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

Walnut Creek
July 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Carollo Engineers, 2700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 300
July 15 from noon to 6 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Walnut Creek Overlook Chapel, 2369 Overlook Drive
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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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPassand follow the instructions on the site.

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 visitredcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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