The American Red Cross urges all donors to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply strong this summer. Type O blood products are most needed on hospital shelves – especially in the face of summer challenges that can quickly cause blood and platelet reserves to drop.  

In addition to summer fun and holidays, severe summer weather can have a sudden impact on the ability to collect blood and platelets. Scheduling and keeping donation appointments are crucial this month to ensure blood products are constantly available in the weeks to come for all patients, including those in trauma situations that may require several lifesaving transfusions. 

All blood types are needed, and donors who don’t know their blood type can learn it after donation. Book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood donor app.  

As a thank-you, all who donate by July 14 will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses (while supplies last).For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.

For those who come to give between July 15 and July 31 the Red Cross will say thanks with a Fandango Movie Reward by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/July.

Among the locations of upcoming blood donation opportunities through July 31 are Burbank, La Crescenta, Glendale and La Cañada.