LOS ANGELES (June 28, 2023) — Kyle Kraska, FOX 11 and the American Red Cross invite Angelenos to be heroes at the Summer Heroes Blood Drive in Santa Monica. The blood drive kicks off Thursday, July 6 at St. Monica Catholic Church (725 California Ave.) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Summer can be a tough time to keep a sufficient blood supply. But the need for blood for emergencies, cancer care, surgeries and other medical treatments doesn't take a break. There has been a concerning shortfall in blood donations in recent weeks, and the upcoming holiday could put a further strain on donations, as millions celebrate with family vacations and other seasonal activities. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type B negative or O negative blood as well as platelet donors, are needed to make an appointment to give now to ensure blood remains available for patients this summer.
"We are incredibly grateful to be partnering with Kyle Kraska on the Summer Heroes Blood Drive honoring first responders and blood donors who help save lives each and every day," Jay Winkenbach, American Red Cross Regional Blood Services Executive said. "Summer months can be a challenging time to maintain a sufficient blood supply. We invite Angelenos to join us and roll up a sleeve for this Summer Heroes Blood Drive in Santa Monica."
Five Years of Helping Save Lives
In 2015, broadcaster and sports director Kyle Kraska nearly died after being shot six times as he was leaving his San Diego home for work. Spending a week in a coma, Kraska was treated for numerous traumatic injuries, including a perforated liver and a collapsed lung, coded twice on the operating table and required 14 units of blood through transfusions to stay alive. To thank the doctors, nurses, first responders and anonymous blood donors who saved his life, Kraska established KK's Heroes and the Celebration of Heroes Blood Drives in partnership with the American Red Cross. Kraska shares his story in hopes of inspiring others here in Los Angeles to donate blood.
By scheduling and keeping appointments right now, donors can help ensure patients relying on blood donations also get to enjoy their summer. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code SummerHero. As a thank-you, those who come to give blood will receive an exclusive Red Cross dry-bag while supplies last! Terms: rcblood.org/gifts
Save time during donation
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
To donate blood, individuals need to 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. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross:
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/la or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.