The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help stock the shelves before the busy holiday season.

Many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day because of holiday activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help ensure the blood supply is sufficient through the winter months.

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.

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). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

VALLEY AREA LOCATIONS INCLUDE:

Granada Hills

11/7/2016: 11:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m

Granada Hills Pavilion

11128 Balboa Blvd.

 

North Hollywood

11/8/2016: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Church of Jesus Christ LDS S

tudio City Stake

11022 Riverside Drive.

 

Northridge

11/1/2016: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

California State University Northridge USU Theatre

18111 Nordhoff St.

Panorama City

11/5/2016: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Panorama City American Legion Hall

13553 Reedley Ave.

 

San Fernando

11/6/2016: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Santa Rosa Catholic Church

668 S. Workman St.

 

Valley Glen

11/14/2016: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Los Angeles Valley College 

Monarch Hall

5800 Fulton Ave.