Join 'World Blood Donor Day' And Select A Blood Drive In Santa Cruz County

News from the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross seeks eligible donors to give blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day, June 14, and throughout the summer to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients in need.

Summer is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet the needs of hospital patients. Many schools that host blood drives are out of session during the summer, and regular donors are often vacationing, potentially making them less available to give.

World Blood Donor Day highlights the constant need for donors – during the summer and throughout the year. Supermodel Niki Taylor, the celebrity spokesperson for World Blood Donor Day, fully understands the importance of blood donations. In 2001, she was in a near-fatal car accident and received about 100 pints of blood. To this day, she attributes her survival to the blood donors and doctors who helped save her life.

Those who come to donate blood with the Red Cross June 8-14, 2015, will receive a limited-edition Nexcare give bandage in one of eight global-inspired designs in honor of World Blood Donor Day.

Every day this summer is a chance to give hope. Eligible donors are encouraged to choose their day to make a difference. Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood Donation Opportunities:

Aptos

6/3/2015: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Dr.

Capitola

6/1/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Whole Foods, 1710 41st Ave

6/5/2015: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Jade Street Community Center, 4400 Jade St.

6/12/2015: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave.

Santa Cruz

6/4/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Santa Cruz Community Church, 411 Roxas St.

6/5/2015: 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., American Red Cross of the Central Coast, 2960 Soquel Ave.

6/9/2015: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Whole Foods, 911 Soquel Ave.

6/11/2015: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency & Public Health Dept., 1080 Emeline Ave., Bldg. D

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.

For more information, please visit redcross.org.

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