Thursday 'Day of Giving' Blood Drive Hosted By Blind and Visually Impaired

News from the American Red Cross:

On Thursday, Jan. 22, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco, in conjunction with the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center and Albany Orientation Center for the Blind, will join the American Red Cross to hold a one-day, multi-site blood drive -- with a location in Pleasant Hill.

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The third annual Day of Giving blood drive will be held at eight locations throughout the Bay Area. LightHouse considers it an opportunity for the blind community and its constituents to rally together in support of the local blood supply.

“Often in the past, people have thought of the blind as a group who are the recipients of others’ generosity,” said Bryan Bashin, CEO of San Francisco’s LightHouse for the Blind. “We’re hoping to change a bit of that perception by rolling up our sleeves and giving back to the same philanthropic community who has long helped us.”

The winter months are traditionally a difficult time for the Red Cross to collect blood and the recent severe winter weather across the United States further hampered collection efforts.

“During winter, we rely on local organizations stepping up to help ensure that blood is available year-round,” said Sara O’Brien, communications manager for Red Cross Blood Services in Northern California. “The blind community’s willingness to sponsor multiple blood drives speaks to its passion for community service and desire to help others.”

Blood drives will be held Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at each of the following locations:

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Auditorium, 214 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco

Orientation Center for the Blind

400 Adams Street, Albany

Santa Clara Valley Blind Center

Auditorium, 101 N. Bascom Avenue, San Jose

Though sponsored and hosted by the blind community, the blood drive is not exclusive to its members. All eligible donors are welcome to give blood at one of the three locations listed above or at the five Red Cross blood donation centers in the Bay Area from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.:

American Red Cross Blood Donation Centers

6230 Claremont Avenue, Oakland

140 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill

5556-B Springfield Avenue, Pleasanton

39227 Cedar Boulevard, Newark

2731 N. First Street, San Jose

“Last year’s Blind Blood Drive collected 108 usable units of blood, and we hope to move that figure up to 150 units in 2015,” said Lisamaria Martinez, Director of Community Services at LightHouse for the Blind. “This is not just another blood drive. It’s a unique opportunity for Bay Area blind people, and their friends and family, to unite with the powerful goal of literally rolling up their sleeves and giving back, saving lives in our community.”

Walk-ins are welcome, but donors are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting redcrossblood.org (enter sponsor code: DAYOFGIVING). Follow @lighthouse_sf where the drive will be promoted, and use the hashtag #blindblooddrive15 when sharing comments and photos.

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.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. For more information, please visit redcross.orgor visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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