Health & Fitness

Celebrate Red Cross Month By Donating Blood In Santa Clara County

All blood types, especially type O, are needed, according to the Red Cross.

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Residents are encouraged to give the gift of life and celebrate Red Cross Month by donating blood. All blood types, especially type O, are needed, according to the Red Cross.

"Since 1943, every U.S. president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world," the Red Cross said in a statement. "Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies."

Upcoming blood drives in Santa Clara County:

Find out what's happening in Gilroyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Gilroy

  • 3/8/2018: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 8455 Wren Ave.

Los Gatos

Find out what's happening in Gilroyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • 3/6/2018: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., St Mary's Church, 219 Bean Ave.

Morgan Hill

  • 3/13/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., LDS Morgan Hill, 1790 E. Dunne Avenue
  • 3/15/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Avenue

Mountain View

  • 3/14/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Kaiser Permanente Mountain View, 555 Castro Street

San Jose

  • 3/1/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/2/2018: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., eaves West Valley, 700 S. Saratoga Ave.
  • 3/2/2018: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/3/2018: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/5/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Elks Lodge San Jose #522, 444 W Alma Ave.
  • 3/5/2018: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/6/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/7/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/8/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/9/2018: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/10/2018: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/12/2018: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/13/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/14/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street
  • 3/14/2018: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara Street
  • 3/15/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Donation Center, 2731 North First Street

How to help

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 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/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

Photo via Shutterstock

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