Red Cross in need of summer donations

The American Red Cross needs donors of all blood types to help overcome an ongoing emergency blood shortage. As summer winds down, the American Red Cross urges individuals to give blood and platelets now and help end an emergency summer blood shortage that began last month.

A critical need remains as many regular donors delay giving to take final summer vacations and prepare for school to start. To ensure lifesaving treatments remain available for patients in the coming weeks, donations are needed now, especially type O.

In appreciation for helping at this urgent time, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. More information and details are available at redcrossblood.org/together.

Appointments to donate can be done by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to give again. Blood can be safely given every 56 days and Power Red donations can be given every 16 weeks.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years, 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.

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Corona

Aug. 17: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Circle K, 255 E. Rincon, Ste. 100

Hemet

Aug. 23: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Recruiting Center, 3329 W Florida

Menifee

Aug. 29: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Cenisceros Kay Community Center, 29995 Evans Rd.

Murrieta

Aug. 31: 12 to 6 p.m., Rancho Springs Medical Center, 25520 Medical Dr.

Riverside

Aug. 18: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., American Red Cross Riverside Chapter, 6235 Rivercrest Drive Ste. A

Aug. 20: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Riverside City Hall, 3900 Main St.

Aug. 20: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., University of California Bell Tower, 900 University Ave

Aug. 26: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 9935 Mission Blvd.

Aug. 30: 2 to 8 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Jurupa, 5950 Serendipity Rd.

Temecula

Aug. 19: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wal-Mart, 32225 Hwy 79 South

Aug. 20: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bank of America, 27489 Ynez Rd.

Aug. 24: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Temecula Valley Hospital, 31700 Temecula Parkway