Community Corner

Join 'World Blood Donor Day' And Select A Blood Drive In Contra Costa County

Opportunities are coming up throughout June in Walnut Creek, Orinda, Concord, Pleasant Hill and other nearby cities.

News from the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross seeks eligible donors to give blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day, June 14, and throughout the summer to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients in need.

Summer is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet the needs of hospital patients. Many schools that host blood drives are out of session during the summer, and regular donors are often vacationing, potentially making them less available to give.

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World Blood Donor Day highlights the constant need for donors – during the summer and throughout the year. Supermodel Niki Taylor, the celebrity spokesperson for World Blood Donor Day, fully understands the importance of blood donations. In 2001, she was in a near-fatal car accident and received about 100 pints of blood. To this day, she attributes her survival to the blood donors and doctors who helped save her life.

Those who come to donate blood with the Red Cross June 8-14, 2015, will receive a limited-edition Nexcare give bandage in one of eight global-inspired designs in honor of World Blood Donor Day.

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Every day this summer is a chance to give hope. Eligible donors are encouraged to choose their day to make a difference. Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed. To 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:

Contra Costa Blood Donation Center

140 Gregory Ln., Pleasant Hill

Tuesday and Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Additional blood donation opportunities:

Antioch

6/1/2015: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Eastside Church of Christ, 1020 East Tregallas Rd.

6/3/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fast Auto Loans, Inc., 2615 Somersville Rd.

6/3/2015: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Antioch/Brentwood Masonic Lodge #175, 521 West 2nd St.

6/9/2015: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rotary Club Antioch, 4800 Golf Course Rd.

Brentwood

6/1/2015: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., John Muir Brentwood, 2400 Balfour Rd.

6/6/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Streets of Brentwood, 2565 Sand Creek Rd.

Concord

6/15/2015: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Brandywine Reality Trust, 1200 Concord Ave.

Oakley

6/16/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Diamond Hills Sports Club & Spa, 1510 Neroly Rd

Orinda

6/13/2015: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way

Richmond

6/10/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dept of Justice DNA Lab, 1001 W Cutting, Suite 110

San Pablo

6/5/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Hilltop Family YMCA, 4300 Lakeside Dr.

6/15/2015: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., San Pablo City Hall Building 4, 13831 San Pablo Ave.

Walnut Creek

6/2/2015: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Rd.

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.

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