January is National Donor Blood Month
Save a life
Please join your local blood center during the annual celebration to thank blood donors. First-time and regular donors are encouraged to make a difference in their communities by scheduling an appointment to give blood each January, and regularly thereafter.
Also, don't forget to Thank A Donor.
Can I donate blood?
You will probably meet the medical requirements to donate blood if you are:
• In good health
• At least 17 years old (In some states, 16-year-olds may donate. There is no upper age limit.)
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
What are some of the reasons for deferral?
• Anemia (low hematocrit)
• Blood Pressure (high or low)
• Body Piercing
• Chagas Disease
• Cold or Flu
• Hepatitis
• HIV/AIDS
• Infection
• International Travel
• Organ/Tissue Transplants
• Pregnancy
• Sexually Transmitted Disease
I'm taking medications. Can I still donate blood?
Many medications are acceptable. Consult your physician or ask your community blood center medical staff if you have questions about your eligibility to donate.
What if I have a tattoo or body piercing?
Each state has differnent policies surrounding tattooes and body piercing in regards to blood donation. Please check with your local blood center for their guidelines.
Will travel abroad make me ineligible to donate blood?
Travel to certain countries may prevent you from donating blood. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict policies in place to prevent the theoretical risk of spreading mad cow disease in the blood supply. Check with your blood center if you have questions about travel-related deferrals.
For more information on donating blood please visit the American Red Cross and the America's Blood Centers.
Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c3) designation that are involved in education, health or safety are eligible to seek financial assistance from the Ford Motor Company Fund through its newly announced Operation Goodwill Southern California.
The program is a partnership with its local dealers, and the goal is to invest $1 million in the works of these nonprofits now through December 2013.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.—The Los Angeles Lakers announced they will donate $25,000 plus proceeds of all auctions at Staples Center during the Western Conference semifinals to the American Red Cross fund to assist in the relief efforts for victims of the storms that struck the South this week.
Items to be auctioned include autographed Lakers memorabilia including one-of-a-kind game-worn memorabilia; framed pictures and basketballs from Laker championship teams; jerseys and basketballs.
The American Red Cross has set up a way Americans can donate to the efforts to help those impacted by the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami in the Pacific. Interested individuals can donate online or via the mail with check or money order.
To donate online, go to https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation.
To donate via mail, send payment to 11355 Ohio Ave., Los Angeles, Calif., 90025.
There is a minimum donation of amount of $10.
BURBANK, Calif.—The Walt Disney Co. announced today that it will give $2.5 million to the American Red Cross to support earthquake relief efforts in Japan.
"Our hearts go out to the people of Japan,'' Disney President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger said. "We send our continued thoughts of support and encouragement as this great nation begins the long road to recovery.''
January 14
Commemoration. Assemblyman Mike Davis hosts a Martin Luther King celebration from 6-9pm at the California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., L.A. The event will include an award ceremony honoring of new California State Attorney General, Kamala Harris. Free. Info: (213) 744-2111.
Give Life. The city of Lancaster is asking, residents to donate blood at the Antelope Valley Hospital, 8am to 1pm. For those in the Palmdale area, American Red Cross is also taking donors today from 1 to 7 pm.
January 15
