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Critical Blood Shortage Prompts Red Cross To Encourage South And Central Coast Residents To Donate

Photo by American Red Cross

There’s a critical blood shortage, and South and Central Coast residents are being encouraged to donate.

The American Red Cross is hoping you’ll step up.

“We’ve issued an emergency call for eligible blood and platelet donors to give now and help save lives,” said Christine Welch with the Red Cross.  

During the last two months, 5,600 fewer donations were collected in Southern California. Welch says it’s especially important during this time.

“The summer months are the most challenging times of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay due to their vacation or summer plans,” she said.

There are a number of blood drives coming up on the South Coast including on Wednesday at the Thousand Oaks Inn in Thousand Oaks, Friday at Technicolor in Camarillo and next Tuesday at Free Methodist Church in Santa Barbara.