LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31, 2023 — American Red Cross Los Angeles Region invites community members, volunteers and blood donors to celebrate the grand re-opening of the newly renovated Long Beach and South Bay Chapter office on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
SEE: Photo album from the Long Beach and South Bay Reopening (Flickr)
“We are excited to celebrate a return home for our volunteers and community members following this major renovation,” said Amy Papageorges, Executive Director of the Long Beach and South Bay chapter. “Our chapter has served this community since 1917 and we are thrilled to reopen our doors in this beautiful building, especially our renovated blood donation center, as the national need for blood continues.”
One of five chapters serving the greater Los Angeles Region, the Red Cross Long Beach and South Bay Chapter serves nearly 2 million people across 25 cities, including the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Thursday’s ceremony marks the first public event since the extensive remodel began over a year ago. The renovated building’s cutting-edge technology is equipped to support volunteers and blood donor efforts in furtherance of our lifesaving mission.
How to donate blood
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification 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 have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Amplify your impact − volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, contact or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.