Help ensure blood types don’t go missing

The _meric_n Red Cr_ss needs help to bring back the As, Bs and Os. This is not a typo. These letters represent blood types and the reality is that during blood shortages these letters do go missing from hospital shelves. The American Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to give now to help prevent delays in patient care this summer.

Earlier this month, As, Bs and Os began disappearing from brand logos, social media pages, signs and websites as part of the Missing Types campaign to draw attention to the need for new blood donors. More than 1,000 partners across the country, from small businesses to leading national brands, have signed on to join the #MissingType movement and raise awareness about the critical role of every blood donor.

While thousands of donors have answered the call to donate blood, more donors are needed now to help ensure blood types don’t go missing. During the summer, especially around holidays like Independence Day, donations often don’t keep pace with patient needs. The Red Cross is thanking all those who donate July 2 through July 7 with an exclusive Red Cross Missing Types T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming Blood Drives

Here is a list of local blood donation opportunities through July 15.

Murrieta

July 6: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Rancho Springs Medical Center, 25520 Medical Dr.

July 13: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wal-Mart, 41200 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd.

Hemet

July 8: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Our Lady of the Valley Church, 780 S State St.

Temecula

July 7: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wal-Mart, 32225 Hwy 79 S.

July 10: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wal-Mart, 32225 Hwy 79 S.

July 14: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Starbucks, 29588 Rancho California Rd.

Riverside

July 6: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., American Red Cross Riverside Chapter, 6235 Rivercrest Dr.

July 7: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., American Red Cross Riverside Chapter, 6235 Rivercrest Dr.

How to donate blood

To donate blood, download the American Red Cross app, visit Redcrossblood.org, or call 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, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

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. Visit and follow the instructions at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass or use the Blood Donor app.

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. To apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.

The American Red Cross feeds, shelters 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 visit on Twitter at redcross.