Many weather experts predict a destructive wildfire season this year. The American Red Cross has a special need right now for health professionals to help on the ground and blood and platelet donors to roll up a sleeve to maintain a stable blood supply in the face of emergencies.
“This year’s wildfire season is already very active and dangerous because of the severe drought and dry woodlands in our area,” said Thomas Hill, regional disaster officer for the American Red Cross in Los Angeles. “After several years of record-breaking wildfires, the Red Cross is already responding in dozens of communities across the west and asks health professionals to train now to be a Red Cross volunteer and help care for people affected by disasters if the need arises.”
The Red Cross needs volunteers who can work in disaster shelters to address people’s health needs and provide hands-on care in alignment with their professional licensure (registered nurse and licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse). Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required.
Wildfires, record-breaking heat and a busy hurricane season can also impact the nation’s blood supply. On top of the toll extreme weather events take on the lives of millions, disasters can cause blood drive closures or prevent donors from being able to give safely. Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org or call (800) RED CROSS, (800) 733-2767 or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Those who donate throughout the month of August will get a free four month special offer to Apple Music by email (new subscribers only). Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/FeelTheBeat.
The following is a list of upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 16-3:
Acton
Aug. 17—4 p.m. until closing, Acton Community Club, 3748 W. Nickels Ave.
Lancaster
Aug. 17—10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Antelope Valley Family YMCA, 43001 10th St. W. Lancaster
Palmdale
Aug. 20—1:30 to 7:30 p.m., KLOS Radio – American Red Cross Antelope Valley Chapter, 2715 E. Avenue P
Aug. 22—10 a.m. to 4 p.m., DryTown Water Park, 3850 East Avenue S
Aug. 24—1 to 7 p.m., American Red Cross Antelope Valley Chapter, 2715 E. Avenue P
Aug. 27—1 to 7 p.m., American Red Cross Antelope Valley Chapter, 2715 E. Avenue P
Aug. 28—9 a.m. to 3 p.m., American Red Cross Antelope Valley Chapter, 2715 E. Avenue P
Aug. 31—1 to 7 p.m., American Red Cross Antelope Valley Chapter, 2715 E. Avenue P
Santa Clarita
Aug. 18– 1 to 7 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks
Aug. 18—9 a.m. to p.m., American Family Funding, 28368 Constellation Rd., Suite 398
Aug. 24—noon to 6 p.m., Congregation Beth Shalom, 21430 Centre Pointe Pkwy
Aug. 25—1 to 7 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks
Aug. 28—9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge, 19310 Avenue of the Oaks
Aug. 31—11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Best Buy, 26531 Bouquet Canyon Rd.
In most cases, persons who have received a COVID-19 vaccination can donate blood. Individuals should bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that 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.
