‘Critical Shortage' Of Blood Donations: Upcoming Drives In Contra Costa Co.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The American Red Cross continues to face a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types to give now and help save lives. Overall, the summer months are among the most challenging times of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they vacation and participate in summer activities.

“The blood supply is like a cell phone battery, it constantly needs recharging,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives and encourage those who haven’t to consider rolling up a sleeve and give the gift of life. It only takes about an hour but can mean a lifetime for patients.”

How to help

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.orgor call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.

As a special thank you, those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross July 26 through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target e-gift card.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 25-Aug. 15 in Contra Costa County:

Contra Costa
Brentwood

• 8/10/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Golden Hills Community Church, 2401 Shady Willow Lane

• 8/14/2017: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., John Muir Brentwood, 2400 Balfour Road

Danville

• 8/11/2017: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., The Grange Hall, 743 Diablo Road

Pleasant Hill
Contra Costa Blood Donation Center
140 Gregory Lane
Monday: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Tuesday: 12:15 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 12:15 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 12:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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What to know about giving blood
To make an appointment or more information, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 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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