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Whether it be because of illness or travel, donating blood isn’t very popular in winter or the summer. This is of concern for the American Red Cross as their supply is limited and need is growing.
Andy Zyla, account manager with Red Cross, said the local donations typically are used locally. With the storms on the East Coast, however, the organization has a national network in place that could be utilized if necessary.
Sponsored by the Police Officers’ Association, the to-be-annual blood drives will be held in the winter and the summer, with the first blood drive will be held from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. The second drive of the year is scheduled for July 29.
“One pint of blood is used for about three patients,” Zyla said. “It’s one pint, one hour and helping to save the lives of up to three people. How could one hour of your time be more effective?”
The hope is to bring in around 50 to 60 donors as well as raise awareness and visibility to bring in new donors throughout the year at the Red Cross location near Stoneridge Shopping Center.
Prospective donors should call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.redcrossblood.org (sponsor code PLEASANTON925) to make an appointment. Donors should be well rested, have consumed plenty of fluids and had a healthy meal and bring photo ID.
At tomorrow’s event, donors will receive a restaurant coupon and enter a drawing for to win 12 pairs of movie theater tickets.