With All Types In Short Supply, Red Cross Launches Local Blood Drives

The need for blood donations hasn’t diminished over the past year, even with the COVID-19 pandemic putting many things on hold. In fact, the American Red Cross says the pandemic, along with severe weather that has impacted much of the U.S., has made blood donations even more urgent, with all blood types in short supply.

In Pasadena, blood donation drives have been scheduled over the next few weeks at the Pasadena Blood Donation Center, at 2471 E. Walnut St., Suite 103, and a few other sites.

If you are willing to donate, schedule an appointment now through the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by using the American Red Cross website.

To download the Blood Donor App, go to www.redcrossblood.org/blood-donor-app.html.

All blood drives will follow COVID-19 safety protocols including temperature screening, social distancing, and face coverings for donors and staff, the Red Cross said.

Following are blood donation dates and times at the Pasadena Blood Donation Center:

March 25, 10:45 to 6 p.m.
March 26, 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
March 27, 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
March 28, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
March 29, 12:15 to 7:30 p.m.
March 30, 12:15 to 7:30 p.m.
March 31, 12:15 to 7:30 p.m.
April 1, 10:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April 2, 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
April 3, 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
April 4, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

From 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 26, a Blood Drive is scheduled at the American Legion District 18, 179 N. Vinedo Ave., Pasadena.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, a Blood Drive will be held at the Pasadena City Church, 2588 E. Colorado Blvd.

The Red Cross is also testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies, which would show a person’s immune system had developed antibodies in response to a coronavirus infection or a vaccine.

If you test positive for high levels of antibodies, plasma from your blood donation may be used in convalescent plasma treatments for COVID-19 patients. The Red Cross explains that a positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity.

The Pasadena Blood Donation Center accepts COVID-19 convalescent plasma donations. For eligibility and donation details, call the Blood Center at (800) 733-2767.

To be eligible to donate blood, donors should weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be at least 16 years old and be generally healthy. First-time donors are usually asked to present two forms of identification, although the type of identification needed varies by facility.

If you have any particular health concerns or have traveled outside of the country, let the blood bank know at the time you set your appointment.

For more information, visit www.redcrossblood.org.