Critical Blood Shortage: Jan. Blood Drives In Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The American Red Cross is in desperate need of blood and platelet donations, which are down due to the hectic holiday season and a brutal cold and flu season. The Red Cross said all blood types, especially Type O negative, are needed.

"Even temporary disruptions to blood and platelet donations can diminish the availability for hospital patients," said Clifford Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Blood Services. "It’s the blood on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency, and that’s why we’re asking eligible individuals to make an appointment to give blood or platelets today."

Antioch

• 1/23/2018: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Delta Association of Realtors, 3428 Hillcrest Ave

Hercules

• 1/29/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Valley Bible Church, 1477 Willow Avenue

Orinda

• 1/27/2018: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., St. Mark's Church/Girl Scout drive, St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 451 Moraga Way

Pleasant Hill

• 1/20/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 1/21/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 1/22/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 1/23/2018: 12:15 p.m. - 7 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 1/24/2018: 12:15 p.m. - 7 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 1/25/2018: 11:45 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 1/26/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 1/27/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 1/28/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 1/29/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 1/30/2018: 12:15 p.m. - 7 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane
• 1/31/2018: 12:15 p.m. - 7 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

San Ramon

• 1/25/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Whole Foods Market, 100 Sunset Drive

How to help

Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass are encouraged to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and answer the health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, by visiting redcrossblood.org/rapidpass from the convenience of a mobile device or computer, or through the Blood Donor App.

• January Blood Drives In Alameda County

Logo courtesy Red Cross