The American Red Cross is asking people to book a time to give blood or platelets now to address a recent drop in donation appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead.Type O blood donors are especially needed to ensure a strong blood supply.
The start of summer can shake up normal routines, but it’s important for donation appointments to stay on the calendar — especially as Memorial Day weekend approaches. More than 42 million Americans are expected to travel over the holiday, meaning fewer donors may be available to give.
Appointments are critical this week for people waiting for lifesaving care. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.
In thanks for making and keeping appointments, the Red Cross will help donors prepare for beach days and backyard fun as the season begins:
— All who come to give through May 31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.
— Donors in May will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® in Seattle, including two tickets to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® thanks to the support of Fanatics, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel accommodations, a $750 gift card and more.
— Those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Plus, they’ll also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package including a projector and screen, projector tripod, smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chair set and a movie night snack package.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities, May 25-June 23:
Granada Hills
5/31: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Los Angeles Fire Department FS #87, 10124 Balboa Blvd.
6/7: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Odyssey Restaurant, 15600 Odyssey Dr
Mission Hills
5/30: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department, 11121 Sepulveda Blvd.
5/30: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department, 11121 Sepulveda Blvd.
6/2: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, 15031 Rinaldi St.
North Hills
6/4: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Our Lady of Peace, 15444 Nordhoff St.
Northridge
6/5: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills, 10400 Zelzah Ave.
6/7: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Temple Ramat Zion, 17655 Devonshire St.
6/16: 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Ashley Furniture, 9301 Tampa Ave.
Porter Ranch
6/1: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., YMCA Porter Ranch, 11336 Corbin Ave.
6/15: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Shepherd Church, 19700 Rinaldi St.
Reseda
5/28: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Saint Catherine of Siena, 18115 Sherman Way
6/2: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., West Valley Family YMCA, 18810 Vanowen St.
Sherman Oaks
6/8: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Westfield, 14006 Riverside Dr.
Studio City
5/30: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Studio City Library, 12511 Moorpark St.
Sylmar
6/22: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Guide Dogs of America, 13479 Glenoaks Blvd.
Van Nuys
6/7: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Zev Yaroslavsky Family Support Center, 7555 Van Nuys Blvd.
6/21: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Valley Presbyterian Hospital, 15107 Vanowen St.
6/21: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Valley Presbyterian Hospital, 15107 Vanowen St.