Give the gift of blood this holiday

The best gifts can’t be bought in a store. The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give more life by giving blood this December.

Alison Wissen knows the power of blood donations. She received 22 units of blood products after experiencing complications during childbirth. “I truly owe my life to blood donors,” she said. “Even the skilled hands of my surgeons could not have saved me without the blood.” Because of blood and platelet donors, Wissen will celebrate the holidays with her three children and husband.

In December, donations decline but the needs of patients remain steady. During the holiday season, the Red Cross urges resident to set aside an hour to give the most important gift – blood. To encourage donations, all those who come to give blood or platelets Dec. 21, 2017, through Jan. 7, 2018, will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

To make an appointment to give blood, visit redcorssblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 16-31:

Murrieta

Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wal-Mart, 41200 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd.

Dec. 22, 12 to 6 p.m., Rancho Springs Medical Center, 25520 Medical Dr.

Riverside

Dec. 17, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 9935 Mission Blvd.

Dec. 20, 1 to 7 p.m., American Red Cross Riverside Chapter, 6235 Rivercrest Dr. Ste. A.

Dec. 21, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Moss Bros Auto Group, 8151 Auto Dr.

Dec. 22, 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Riverside Community Hospital, 4445 Magnolia Ave.

Dec. 31, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., American Red Cross Riverside Chapter, 6235 Rivercrest Drive Suite A

Temecula

Dec. 22 and Dec. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wal-Mart, 32225 Hwy 79 South.

How to donate blood

Simply download redcrossblood.org or 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, 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, from a computer or mobile device. To use RapidPass, visit redcross.org/rapidpadd and follow the instruction on the site.

Volunteers needed

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.




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