Help Red Cross Prevent Summer Shortage; Several Blood Drive Locales in Santa Cruz County

The American Red Cross urges eligible blood donors to roll up a sleeve and give to help prevent a summer blood shortage. Blood donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative are especially needed. 

The Red Cross is seeing fewer appointments at its blood donation centers and blood drives this summer than what is needed to ensure blood and platelets continue to be available for patients. 

During the summer months of June, July and August, on average, about two fewer donors make an appointment to give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. This can add up to more than 100,000 fewer donations during the summer. 

Blood and platelet donations are needed every day for patients with many serious medical conditions. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood..

Below is a list of local Red Cross blood donation opportunities from July 16-31. 

To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Santa Cruz County

7/15/2014: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: American Red Cross Santa Cruz County Chapter, 2960 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 

7/16/2014: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Santa Cruz Interfaith Community, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz

7/23/2014: 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Simpkins Family Swim Center, 979 17th Ave,  Santa Cruz

7/26/2014: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Gate Way Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Rd, Scotts Valley

7/28/2014: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Pajaro Valley Health Trust Hall, 85 Nielson Street, Watsonville