Blood Needed Amid Critical Summer Shortage: Donate In Dana Point

DANA POINT, CA — While seasons change and people across the nation enjoy a summer full of travel and family outings, the American Red Cross' need for blood remains the same.

"The American Red Cross continues to address a concerning shortfall in lifesaving donations since late Spring," Spokesperson Christine Welch said. "Additionally, many communities throughout the country have been significantly impacted by one of the most active tornado seasons on record."

To encourage residents to donate blood, Red Cross has joined up with Universal Pictures' new film, "TWISTERS," to offer special incentives to residents who donate for the month of July.

"Donors are critically needed right now after a sharp decrease in donations since late spring," an American Red Cross news release said. "All blood types are needed, especially donors giving type O blood and those giving platelets."

Orange County residents who donate blood during the month of July will receive a free movie ticket, courtesy of Fandango, by email. Those who donate blood from July 1 through 14 will receive a "TWISTERS" and Red Cross umbrella, while supplies last.

In addition, residents who donate in July will be automatically entered for a chance to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn.

To donate blood in and around Dana Point, visit RedCross.org.

“The Red Cross is grateful to have partners like Universal Pictures who are not only lending this support to encourage blood donations during this critical time of year but have also generously donated to help support disaster relief,” said Jennifer Pipa, vice president of Disaster Programs for the Red Cross. “Because of the climate crisis, the Red Cross is now launching twice as many relief operations for major disasters than we did a decade ago. And disasters are not only straining our relief operations but also our ability to collect lifesaving blood donations. So far this year we have collected 20,000 fewer blood donations due to severe weather.”