Red Cross to Hold Blood Drive at YMCA

The American Red Cross has announced a new blood drive amid a national shortage of blood supply, with the organization coming to La Cañada Flintridge on Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crescenta-Canada Family YMCA.
Since announcing a national blood and platelet shortage a month ago, thousands of donors across the country have rolled up a sleeve to help rebuild the American Red Cross blood and platelet supply.
“As that generosity continues, the Red Cross is working around-the-clock to ensure patients have access to lifesaving transfusions and must collect 10,000 additional blood and platelet donations — over and above expectations — each week over the next month to sufficiently meet hospital needs,” the organization said in a statement. “Don’t wait – patients are counting on critical care this fall.”
Donors of all blood types are urged to book a time to give now, especially those with type O blood or those giving platelets.
To encourage more blood and platelet donations, the Red Cross is offering new incentives to donors over the next month. All who come to donate blood Oct. 21 through Nov. 9 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a restaurant merchant of their choice to enjoy lunch on the Red Cross. They’ll also be automatically entered to win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three winners — one chosen at random each week. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Lunch.
The Red Cross dispelled a common myth, reiterating that flu and COVID-19 vaccines do not affect donor eligibility.
“As cold and flu season quickly approaches, the Red Cross is reminding donors that they can still give blood or platelet after receiving a flu vaccine, so long as they are feeling healthy and well on the day of their donation,” the Red Cross said. “Likewise, there is no deferral or wait time for those receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine.”
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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.
To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call (800) RED CROSS or (800) 733-2767.

First published in the October 26 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.