Upcoming March Blood Drives In Santa Cruz County

The Red Cross is in need of donations of all blood types. More than 13,000 blood and platelet donations are needed every day in the United States. Those interested in donating must be in generally good health and weigh at least 110 pounds.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Santa Cruz County:

Felton

• 3/16/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9

Santa Cruz

• 3/21/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk Street
• 3/22/2018: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Pacific Collegiate School, 3004 Mission Street
• 3/27/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Watsonville

• 3/26/2018: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Pajaro Valley Health Trust Hall, 85 Nielson Street

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 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 and platelet donors can 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Photo courtesy Shutterstock