June 30, 2005

Blood donors especially needed in July

If the blood supply was like gas, prices for a pint of blood would be astronomical due to the current lack of inventory and great need. But pricing for blood doesn’t work like that. Instead, if the supply gets too low, elective surgeries will be postponed, and medical professionals will worry about a high rate of holiday weekend accidents depleting the local blood supply over the Fourth of July weekend.

To tempt local donors, the American Red Cross is offering a slew of promotions around the Fourth of July. These include:

- Drawing for a trip for two to Hawaii for all platelet donors in July;

- Weekly drawings for three $100 gas gift cards through Sept. 9;

- A ticket voucher to an Oakland A’s game in July or August for all July Fourth donors;

- Ticket for future admission to the Chabot Space & Science Center for all July 5 donors; and

- Admission to the Oakland Zoo for a future date for all July 6 donors.

The more you donate, the more chances to win—platelet donations can be made every two weeks and whole blood donations every 56 days. The process of a blood donation takes about an hour from reviewing your medical history to giving blood to having cookies and juice in the canteen.

Platelet donation takes about two hours during which time donors enjoy a selection of the latest movies from a DVD collection. For platelet donation appointments, (call 510) 594-5137. Platelets are always especially needed because the donation must be used within five days of collection. Many cancer patients regularly need platelets as part of their treatment.

In order to give blood, you must be 17 years or older, weigh no less than 110 pounds and enjoy general good health. Only 2-3 percent of Californians give blood; nationally that average is 5 percent. It is estimated that 50 percent of all Americans will need a transfusion at some point in their life.

The blood donation schedule in the San Jose area is as follows:

Monday, July 4: 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., San Jose Blood Center, 2731 N. First St.

Tuesday, July 5: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Extended hours! San Jose Blood Center, 2731 N. First St.

Tuesday, July 5: 10 a.m.–3 p.m., St. Mary’s Church, Hofmann Hall, 219 Bean Avenue, Los Gatos

Wednesday, July 6: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Extended hours! San Jose Blood Center, 2731 N. First St.

For information on other locations throughout northern California, call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) or visit www.BeADonor.com.