Santa Clara Co. Blood Donations Needed In Wake Of Winter Storms

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Winter storms have prompted the American Red Cross to put out an urgent call for blood donations. The Red Cross said the government shutdown, which caused many drives to be canceled, and historic snowstorms hitting the much of the country, have taken a toll on supply.

“Disruptions to blood and platelet donations jeopardize the availability of blood for patients who depend on transfusions for survival,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “We’re grateful for all those who have come out to give since we issued our emergency call earlier this month and now urge others to come out and give to prevent delays in essential medical care.”

Here are the upcoming blood drives in Santa Clara County:

Campbell

• 2/2/2019: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Campbell United Methodist Church, 1675 Winchester Blvd.

Cupertino

• 2/26/2019: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Hinson Campus Center Building, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd

Gilroy

• 2/9/2019: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., South Valley Community Church, 8095 Kelton Drive
• 2/14/2019: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., LDS Gilroy, 7999 Miller Avenue

Morgan Hill

• 2/19/2019: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Anritsu Company, 490 Jarvis Drive

San Jose
2731 North First Street

• Mondays: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Fridays: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Saturdays: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

• 2/19/2019: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, 751 South Bascom Avenue
• 2/23/2019: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Episcopal Church of Almaden, 6581 Camden Avenue
• 2/26/2019: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Oak Hill Funeral Home, 300 Curtner Avenue

All eligible donors, especially platelet donors and blood donors with type O blood, are urgently needed to help restock the shelves for hospital patients. Donation appointments can be easily scheduled by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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.

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