Red Cross Seeks Help With ‘Severe Blood Shortage’

The Red Cross is seeking blood donors in Pasadena to help resolve a nationwide blood shortage that has emerged as the COVID-19 pandemic has waned.

“The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise — and deplete the nation’s blood inventory,” said Red Cross Los Angeles Region Communications Manager Marilyn Jimenez Davila.

“Donors of all blood types — especially type O and those giving platelets — are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent delays to critical patient care,” she said.

As an added incentive, those who donate through June 30 will receive $5 gift cards from Amazon, Jimenez Davila added. Restrictions apply, and more information on the offer is available online at redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/help-save-lives–get-a–5-amazon-com-gift-card-.html.

As the 15-month-long pandemic has shown signs of breaking as vaccinations become more widespread, “hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants,” the Red Cross said in a written statement. 

“In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021 — more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions. “

The supply is also being challenged due to an influx of patients who had deferred medical care during the pandemic, officials said.

Donating blood saves lives, Red Cross Divisional Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ross Herron said.

“When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care,” he said. “As many people begin to enjoy travel and time with loved ones again this summer, patients are relying on the generosity of donors to help ensure they have access to the treatment they need. Please consider blood donation as a summer activity that can help save lives.”

More information, including a link to schedule a donation appointment, can be found online at RedCrossBlood.org.

Upcoming donation events in Pasadena:

6/15: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., First Baptist Church, 75 N. Marengo Ave.

6/15: 12:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/16: 12:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/17: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Hilton Hotel, 168 S. Los Robles Ave.

6/17: 10:45 a.m. – 6 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/18: 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/19: 7:45 a.m. – 3 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/20: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/20: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., St Philip the Apostle Church, 151 S. Hill Ave.

6/21: 12:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/22: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave.

6/22: 12:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/22: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., South Pasadena Public Library, 1115 El Centro St., South Pasadena

6/23: 12:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/24: 10:45 a.m. – 6 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/25: 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/26: 7:45 a.m. – 3 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/27: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/28: 12:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/29: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Pasadena City Church, 2588 E. Colorado Blvd.

6/29: 12:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

6/30: 12:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

O SO NEEDED! With less than 1/2 a day supply of type O blood in recent weeks, the Red Cross has an ?emergency? need for type O blood – the most needed blood group by hospitals. If you're type O, patients need your help. Sign up to give blood ASAP at https://t.co/5oBaCut1Sl. pic.twitter.com/lVPwTUneaR

— American Red Cross Southern California Region (@SoCal_RedCross) June 16, 2021