CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (August 6, 2024) — The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans. Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.

Heat impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 17,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.

“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”

The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients – but can’t do it alone. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.

Who donations help

• Anna-mary Geist’s son, Sam, was born with a rare congenital disorder and a severe heart defect, requiring multiple surgeries and blood transfusions. In gratitude, the family organizes annual blood drives and Sam, now 13, actively engages with blood donors at the events. Anna-mary also organizes quarterly blood drives with the Red Cross at her workplace.
• Liza Trujillo Frazer transitioned from being a blood donor to a recipient due to severe health challenges. Despite her struggles, she found strength in faith and family. Liza’s resilience and gratitude exemplify her deep commitment to her community.
• Catalina Ramirez-Vaughn motivation to organize blood donation campaigns for the American Red Cross stems from a childhood incident where her sister suffered severe burns, leading to a year-long hospitalization and blood transfusions. Through her church, she hosts successful blood drives, uniting her community and providing vital support for the Red Cross.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 5-31:

Contra Costa

Antioch

8/14/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Rotary Club Antioch, 4800 Golf Course Road

8/20/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Delta Association of Realtors, 3428 Hillcrest Avenue

Brentwood

8/7/2024: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Trilogy Vineyards Veterans Association, 1700 Trilogy Parkway

8/14/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic, 500 Fairview Avenue

8/16/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Summerset II Palms, 193 Summerset Drive

Concord

8/9/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Concord, 1360 Alberta Way

8/22/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road

El Sobrante

8/29/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., FocalPoint Bible Church, 4950 Appian Way

Moraga

8/31/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Moraga/Orinda, 3776 Via Granada

Oakley

8/13/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Diamond Hills Sports Club & Spa, 1510 Neroly Road

Pleasant Hill

8/6/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/7/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/8/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/9/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/10/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/11/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/12/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/13/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/14/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/15/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/16/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/17/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/18/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/19/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/20/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/21/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/22/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/23/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/24/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/25/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/26/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/27/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/28/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/29/2024: 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/30/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

8/31/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

San Ramon

8/10/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Boulevard

8/24/2024: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., San Ramon Valley Islamic Center 2230 Camino Ramon

Walnut Creek

8/15/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Elks Lodge 1811, 1475 Creekside Drive

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.