Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 14, is World Blood Donor Day. Due to this day, the American Red Cross started accepting donations on June 1 and will do so until June 30.
Since the pandemic, blood donations have decreased. With more people working remotely, fewer business-hosted blood drives, hospital staffing issues, and rising costs exist.
According to a news release by the American Red Cross, the problem of blood donation shortage has persisted. In May, they collected 26,000 fewer blood donations than required. Every 2 seconds, a blood transfusion is needed, particularly for platelet donations.
Every blood type is essential, but type O positive is the most needed since it is the most widely available and given to patients more frequently. On the other hand, type O negative is in high demand not only because only 7% of people have it but also because it is used frequently for emergencies. Therefore, if you have this blood type, please consider donating to help someone in need.
In thanks for the very-needed blood donations people make in June to celebrate World Blood Donor Day, people who donate will receive a $10 gift card to the merchant of their choice and an opportunity to win a backyard theater package that includes a laser wireless projector and screen, projector tripod, smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chair set with four chairs and two tables, and a movie night snack package!
For more information on the gifts, please visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/june.html
Upcoming blood donation opportunities, June 16-30:
Chula Vista
● 6/19/2023: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Chula Vista Center, 555 Broadway, Suite 1088
● 6/26/2023: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane
For more donating locations, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.
