Spring Into Action, Capitola-Soquel! Donate Blood With Red Cross

Information submitted from the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to make a difference in the lives of patients this spring by giving blood.

Donated blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished to keep up with the demand. Red blood cells, with a shelf life of only 42 days, are the most frequently transfused blood component, and are always needed by hospitals.

Eligible donors can give red cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. Double red cell donations yield twice the usual amount of red cells in a single appointment and are accepted at select donation locations. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment.

Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year.

To find a donation opportunity or make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

American Red Cross Blood Donation Center:

San Jose Blood Donation Center

2731 N. 1st St., San Jose

Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

• Santa Cruz
• 4/13/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Pacific Collegiate School, 255 Swift St.
• 4/13/2015: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.
• 4/15/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

• Felton 4/17/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9

• Watsonville 4/27/2015: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Pajaro Valley Health Trust Hall, 85 Nielson St.

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.

For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

--Shutterstock image

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