Red Cross Declares Emergency Blood Shortage: Drives In Mission Viejo

MISSION VIEJO, CA — The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage as extreme heat and end-of-summer travel plans threaten already low blood levels.

The Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25% since July 1, according to the organization, which supplies about 40% of the country's blood.

Heat affected almost 100 blood drives last month in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects donations. Summer travel and related activities were also a factor in the shortfall of more than 17,000 blood donations in July, according to the Red Cross.

Oceanside residents can help. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O blood donors, according to the Red Cross.

"It's critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations," said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. "Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care."

The Red Cross has planned blood drives across Orange County, including in Mission Viejo. Donors who give blood, platelets or plasma through Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon.com gift card by email.

To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

These are the upcoming Orange County area blood drives:

Costa Mesa

• 8/25/2024: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Islamic Educational Center of Orange County, 3194-B Airport Loop Drive
• 8/26/2024: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mesa Verde United Methodist Church, 1701 W. Baker Coto de Caza
• 8/13/2024: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club, 25291 Vista Del Verde

Dana Point

• 8/11/2024: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., St Edwards Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera
• 8/15/2024: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monarch Bay Plaza, 32932 Pacific Coast Highway
• 8/15/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 33501 Stone Hill Dr.

Ladera Ranch

• 8/5/2024: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Ladera Ranch Oak Knoll, 28192 O'Neill Drive
• 8/20/2024: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., AFC Urgent Care, 27522 Antonio Parkway, Suite P3

Laguna Beach

• 8/9/2024: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave
• 8/19/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Montage Resort and Spa, 30801 S. Coast Hwy

Lake Forest

• 8/6/2024: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Santiago de Compostela Church, 21682 Lake Forest Drive
• 8/12/2024: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Bagels & Brew, 21771 Lake Forest Drive #100
• 8/27/2024: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Alcon, 20511 Lake Forest Dr

Mission Viejo

• 8/26/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saddleback College Student Services Center 212, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy
• 8/29/2024: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Elk's Lodge, 25092 Marguerite Pkwy
• 8/30/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bagels & Brew, 23052 A Alicia Parkway

Newport Beach

• 8/7/2024: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., St James Episcopal Church, 3209 Via Lido
• 8/14/2024: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2150 Bonita Canyon Drive
• 8/28/2024: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Newport Beach Police Department, 870 Santa Barbara

Rancho Santa Margarita

• 8/19/2024: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Starbucks 5755 Lowes Plaza, 30465 Avenida De Las Flores
• 8/20/2024: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Foothills Church, 23122 Arroyo Vista
• 8/21/2024: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Rancho Santa Margarita Library, 30902 La Promesa