Donors needed as blood banks serving Northern California face critical shortage
The American Red Cross is urging people to give blood in support of medical centers that care for patients in the Modesto area and broader region.
The Red Cross is offering gifts for donors because of the pressing need at blood banks. People who donate blood or platelets by May 31 will receive an oversize Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.
The Red Cross is offering gift cards to donors in June. Those donating June 1-28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a store of their choice. Donors’ names will be entered for an opportunity to win one of two gift cards worth $7,500.
The relief organization said in a news release that appointments to donate blood are crucial to maintain the supply through the summer months. The risk of accidents and serious injuries goes up as people travel and enjoy the outdoors, starting with Memorial Day weekend.
Donation sites including Stanford Blood Center have recently put out urgent calls for donors. The Stanford center had only a two-day supply of type O-positive blood and also was in need of people to donate other blood types, according to a KRON news story May 14.
Earlier this year, the Red Cross said help was needed for the national blood supply to recover from a serious shortage.
People can schedule a time and place to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and typing in their ZIP code, or calling 800-733-2767. Another option is using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. The Modesto Blood Donation Center is at 1900 W. Orangeburg Ave. The Turlock Blood Donation Center is at 655 E. Hawkeye Ave.
Blood banks are in need of all types. A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required for check-in. Donors who are 18 years old or younger are screened for height and weight requirements.
