Former Mayor Bogaard Urges Local Residents to Give Blood

Huntington Memorial Hospital is seeking blood donations due to a severe blood shortage throughout the United States, attributed to an unprecedented number of recent blood drive cancellations.

Former Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, a member of the Board of Directors at Huntington Hospital, appealed for blood donations, saying there is a “perfect storm of need for blood at this time,” with many demands for blood for coronavirus patients and many cancellations of donor appointments due to the crisis.

The hospital’s management said even during this COVID-19 pandemic, blood donation is still safe, and there’s no evidence that the coronavirus is transmissible by blood transfusion. It added there have been no reported cases of transfusion transmission for any respiratory virus, including COVID-19.

“As the only trauma center in the San Gabriel Valley, we rely on your generosity to help us keep our blood supplies up and meet the health needs of our community,” a statement from the hospital said. “Your support is extremely valuable at this time, when we have had to cancel mobile blood drives and are reliant on donations at our off-campus location more than ever.”

To facilitate blood donations, Huntington Hospital is operating its community Blood Donor Center at 800 South Fairmount Ave. in Pasadena. Blood donation hours at the Center are Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

At each blood drive and at the Blood Donor Center, Huntington employees have been instructed to follow thorough safety protocols to ensure blood recipient safety, as well as staff and donor safety.

Out of an abundance of caution, people who have traveled China, including Hong Kong and Macau, South Korea, Japan, Italy, or Iran in the last 28 days, are advised to not donate blood at this time. The hospital said those in this category will be eligible to donate 28 days after their departure from any of those countries.

As a special incentive for blood donors, Huntington Hospital will be giving out one movie ticket or a $10 gift certificate until April 30 or while supplies last. Repeat blood donors who bring a new donor will receive an additional movie ticket, once the donations are successful.

“A pint of blood could potentially save three lives, and the rewards to you are considerable: doing good, getting your blood pressure and other vitals checked, burning calories and getting a coupon or shirt and tasty snacks,” David Kirchheimer, another Huntington Hospital Board member, said in a statement. “I’m 63 years old and just donated for the 120th time. Please join me in this vital act.”

To schedule a blood donation, call (626) 397-5422 or visit www.huntingtonhospital.org/support-us/donate-blood.