The American Red Cross continues to see a concerning trend — blood donations are being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in. The Red Cross has collected about 50,000 fewer blood donations than needed over the last two months. Donors are asked to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to avoid a looming blood shortage.
To help head off a more serious situation, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 35th anniversary of Shark Week and the theatrical release of “Meg 2: The Trench.” The public is encouraged to celebrate a summer of sharks and help shore up the national blood supply by giving in July.
In thanks for helping, the Red Cross is offering several incentives to donors who come out to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks:
— July 12-Aug 12: Those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark.
— July 17-31: Presenting donors will receive an officially licensed Shark Week T-shirt, while supplies last. Donors will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark.
By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 20-31:
Burbank
7/27: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Burbank Elk’s Lodge #1497, 2232 N Hollywood Way
7/27: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Burbank Blood Donation Center, 317 N Pass Ave.
7/21-7/23, 7/28-7/30: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Burbank Blood Donation Center, 317 N Pass Ave.
7/22, 7/29: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., AMC City Walk, 125 E Palm Ave.
7/24-7/26, 7/31: 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Burbank Blood Donation Center, 317 N Pass Ave.
7/26: 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., AMC City Walk, 125 E Palm Ave.
Glendale
7/21: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Glendale Masonic Lodge, 244 N Maryland Ave.
7/23: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Holy Family Catholic Church, 400 S Louise St.
7/27: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Hollywood Production Center, 121 W Lexington Dr.
Granada Hills
7/22: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Los Angeles Fire Department FS #87, 10124 Balboa Blvd.
North Hollywood
7/27: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Kaiser Permanente North Hollywood Regional Lab, 11668 Sherman Way
7/30: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., St Jane Frances De Chantal, 13001 Victory Blvd.
Northridge
7/25: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes, 18400 Kinzie St.
7/28: 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Northridge Fashion Center, 9400 Shirley Ave.
7/31: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills, 10400 Zelzah Ave.
Van Nuys
7/30: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., La Iglesia En El Camino, 14800 Sherman Way
Woodland Hills
7/27: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center, 21333 Oxnard St.
7/21, 7/28: 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center, 21333 Oxnard St.
7/22, 7/23, 7/29, 7/30: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center, 21333 Oxnard St.
7/24: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center, 5601 De Soto Ave.
7/24-7/26, 7/31: 12:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center, 21333 Oxnard St.