American Red Cross of Ventura County

Though spring has officially arrived, the American Red Cross blood supply is still recovering from severe winter storms in March. Donors of all blood types are urged to roll up a sleeve and help save lives.

Winter weather in parts of the country forced more than 270 blood drives to cancel, resulting in over 9,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations in the first two weeks of March. No matter the weather, the need for blood to help cancer patients, those undergoing surgeries, trauma patients and others remains.

Volunteer blood donors from across the country are needed to help ensure lifesaving blood products are available for patients this spring. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 20 to April 15

Ventura

Camarillo
4/3/2018: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4345 Las Posas Road

Moorpark
4/2/2018: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Moorpark Chamber of Commerce, 18 E. High St
4/5/2018: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kahn Media, Inc., 11988 Challenger Ct.

Oxnard
3/22/2018: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Oxnard High School, 3400 W Gonzales Rd

Simi Valley
3/23/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
3/28/2018: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Simi Valley High School, 5400 Cochran Street
3/30/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
4/13/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
3/21/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
3/26/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
3/28/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
4/2/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
4/11/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
4/11/2018: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Thousand Oaks High School, 2323 N Moorpark Rd

Ventura
3/20/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.
3/20/2018: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road

Westlake Village
3/21/2018: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Guitar Center Corporate Center, 5795 Lindero Canyon Rd.
4/3/2018: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Farmers Insurance, 31051 Agoura Rd

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Volunteers needed
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.