Celebrate Red Cross Month By Donating Blood In Contra Costa Co.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Residents are encouraged to give the gift of life and celebrate Red Cross Month by donating blood. All blood types, especially type O, are needed, according to the Red Cross.

"Since 1943, every U.S. president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world," the Red Cross said in a statement. "Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies."

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Contra Costa County:

Brentwood

• 3/14/2018: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., City of Brentwood, 35 Oak Street

Concord

• 3/8/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street
• 3/10/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Knights of Columbus - St. Bonaventure 5562 Clayton Road
• 3/15/2018: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Concord Gateway I, Concord Gateway I, 1850 Gateway Blvd.

El Sobrante
3/9/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Elks Lodge, 3931 San Pablo Dam Road

Oakley
3/3/2018: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oakley City Hall Parking Lot, 3231 Main St.

Pleasant Hill

• 3/1/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/2/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/3/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/4/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/5/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/6/2018: 12:15 p.m. - 7 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/7/2018: 12:15 p.m. - 7 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/8/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/9/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/10/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/11/2018: 7:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/12/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/13/2018: 12:15 p.m. - 7 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/14/2018: 12:15 p.m. - 7 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 3/15/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

San Pablo

• 3/1/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Contra Costa College, 2600 Mission Bell Drive

Walnut Creek

• 3/13/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Whole Foods Market, 2941 Ignacio Valley Rd
• 3/13/2018: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road

How to help

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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

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