{"id":4303,"date":"2011-07-26T16:25:51","date_gmt":"2011-07-26T23:25:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sierramadrenews.net\/?p=4303"},"modified":"2011-07-26T16:25:51","modified_gmt":"2011-07-26T23:25:51","slug":"urgent-call-to-action-for-blood-donors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.sierramadrenews.net\/?p=4303","title":{"rendered":"Urgent Call to Action for Blood Donors"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Please roll up a sleeve and give blood because our community blood supply has dropped to critically low levels.<\/p>\n

Now is a great time to donate blood because our annual KLOS blood drive has begun today. If you present to donate at a participating KLOS blood drive today through Saturday July 30th, you will receive a voucher for a classic rock concert. For more information, see below.<\/p>\n

Since many donors are traveling and school is out of session a decrease in donations in May and June has foreshadowed the traditional summertime decline in donations. Even though demand for blood has remained steady during this same period, the decrease in donations means the Red Cross needs people\u2014now more than ever\u2014to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

The Red Cross urges people who are eligible to schedule an appointment to give blood now. Visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).<\/p>\n

“As a physician, I have seen first hand how blood transfusions can truly help save lives,” said Dr. Ross Herron, Chief Medical Officer for the American Red Cross Blood Services \u2013 Western Division. “The potential for a blood shortage could have a devastating effect on a patient whose survival may depend on blood being there when needed.”<\/p>\n

Everyone knows someone who has needed a blood transfusion, and those personal stories from our loved ones, friends, and neighbors highlight just how important each and every blood donation can be. Because of that, your Red Cross is reaching out to eligible blood donors, sponsors, and community leaders to ask them to recruit blood donors to help meet the needs of patients in communities across the Southland.<\/p>\n

Blood for trauma victims, premature babies, and chronic disease patients is a life and death issue. Many people assume that others will donate and blood will always be there when it is needed. Unfortunately, less than 3% of eligible Californians actually make the effort to donate. There are currently not enough donors scheduling appointments to meet the demands of our local hospitals and trauma centers.<\/p>\n

The Red Cross urges people who are eligible to schedule an appointment to give blood now. Visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).<\/p>\n

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30th Annual KLOS Blood Drive<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s here! Our 30th Annual KLOS Blood Drive, July 26th \u2013 30th <\/em><\/p>\n

The American Red Cross and 95.5 KLOS are gearing up to rock Southern California’s airwaves for the largest blood drive event in the country – The 30th Annual KLOS Blood Drive. The KLOS Blood Drive will run for five days, beginning Tuesday, July 26, and wrap on Saturday, July 30. Blood donors and classic rock fans are encouraged to donate at any of the 20 sites throughout San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Orange, and Los Angeles counties.<\/p>\n

Donate blood and get a commemorative t-shirt to wear to one the summer’s hottest rock concerts.<\/p>\n