CAMARILLO, Calif. — The American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast has received a grant for $20,000 from Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S. This grant will be used towards building a better future by supporting lifesaving blood drives throughout Ventura County.
“Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood,” said Tony Briggs, Central California Region Chief Executive Officer, and Pacific Coast Chapter Executive Director. “To have a partner like Bayer Fund recognize the importance of a strong blood supply is more important now than ever. From a single child fighting cancer in need of a lifesaving platelets to an entire community in need of blood due to a crisis, people facing medical emergencies at hospitals and cancer treatment centers rely on the Red Cross for safe, readily available blood. Because of Bayer Fund’s generous grant, we will be able to make an impact in the lives of cancer patients, trauma victims and anyone who relies on lifesaving blood products.”
In Bayer Fund and the American Red Cross’ mutual goal to see the communities we serve flourish, this grant from Bayer Fund will support the organization by allowing them to continue supporting some of the most vulnerable people we serve — cancer patients — who are facing a new challenge. With the steady increase in new cancer cases, the need for lifesaving platelets is also on the rise. As the largest provider of blood products in the U.S., the Red Cross is dedicated to meeting the growing demand and helping strengthen cancer patients’ ability to keep battling.
The Red Cross nationally supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood supply—more than any other blood collection agency in the U.S. The Bayer Fund’s ongoing support helps the American Red Cross collect more than 4.5 million units of blood and more than 1 million platelet donations from more than 2.3 million volunteer donors. In Ventura County, the 334 blood drives held last year allowed us to collect 11,360 units of blood for patients in need.
“Through Bayer Fund’s giving, we’re enabling and strengthening organizations that are working to make real, sustainable impacts in their local communities across the United States,” said Al Mitchell, President of Bayer Fund. “Lifesaving American Red Cross Biomedical Services programs have been critical in providing support to patients and families managing illness or disease, and we’re proud to provide our support.”
The Red Cross continues to see a concerning trend – blood donations are being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in. The Red Cross has collected about 50,000 fewer blood donations than needed over the last two months. Donors are asked to make an appointment to give blood now to avoid a looming blood shortage.
Patients need the help of the American people. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
In 2022, Bayer Fund awarded more than $13.4 million to over 2,700 charitable and nonprofit organizations to help address essential needs in Food and Nutrition, STEM Education and Health & Wellness. Since 2017, nonprofit organizations across the U.S. have received nearly $90 million.
To learn more about the American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast visit redcross.org/pacificcoast. To learn more about Bayer Fund visit www.fund.bayer.us.
American Red Cross Media Contact
Taylor Poisall
Bayer Fund Media Contact
Nicole Hayes
About the American Red Cross Central California Region
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossCCR.
About Bayer Fund
Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where Bayer customers and employees live and work by providing funding for food and nutrition, education, and health and wellness projects. For more Information visit https://www.fund.bayer.us.