Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
SAN FRANCISCO (May 17, 2018) — The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is partnering with the American Red Cross to help save lives during the 7th Bay Area Blind Community blood drive on Thursday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the organization’s headquarters at 1155 Market St.
The annual blood drive began in 2013 as a way for the nonprofit organization to give back to the community that has long supported it. Since its start, 299 pints have been collected helping hundreds of patients in need of lifesaving blood transfusions.
“The beauty of our blood drive is that blind and sighted donors are giving side-by-side, and all blood donated benefits anyone in need, regardless of sight,” said Lisamaria Martinez, director of community services at LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. “We have received great support from the community and look forward to our drive and collecting much needed blood in anticipation of the summer months.”
The blood drive comes at a time when donations typically decline around holidays like Memorial Day and when regular donors are vacationing and schools are out of session. Blood donors of all types are needed to help ensure blood products are available for patients now and into the summer.
To give blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code DayofGiving to make an appointment.
As a thank-you, those who come to donate at the blood drive, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply, see amazon.com/gc-legal. More details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)
How to donate blood
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.
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.