Media contact:
Cari Dighton, 415-583-2949
@RedCrossNorCal
RedCrossBlood.org
Help patients by making an appointment to give blood or platelets at new San Francisco donation center
SAN FRANCISCO (July 22, 2021) — People wanting to make a lifesaving difference in San Francisco now have the chance to donate blood and platelets at the American Red Cross San Francisco Blood Donation Center. On August 2, the donation center will begin collecting blood and platelet donations for patients, such as those battling cancer, accident victims, transplant recipients and those living with sickle cell disease.
This is the first time donors are able to give platelets with the Red Cross in San Francisco. Platelets are the clotting portion of blood and are needed for many reasons, but they are primarily given to cancer patients. These tiny cells have a very short shelf life – just five days from the time they are donated – so there is a constant, often critical, need for new and current donors to give to keep up with hospital demand for platelets.
Having a readily available blood supply is vital for patients whose survival depends on transfusions. Donating blood is essential to community health, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets at the San Francisco Blood Donation Center, donors can feel good knowing that they may be helping patients not only in their community, but also their family and friends across the nation.
“From mothers experiencing childbirth complications to those facing trauma situations in the emergency room, many of us may be connected to someone who has relied on lifesaving blood products,” said Justin Mueller, Regional Donor Services Executive for the Northern California Coastal Red Cross Region. “The Red Cross is pleased to offer donors this new opportunity to help provide hope, healing and access to treatment for patients in need.”
In addition to the San Francisco Blood Donation Center, individuals will also continue to be able to give blood at Red Cross blood drives across the Bay Area community.
San Francisco Red Cross Blood Donation Center
1663 Market Street
Initial hours of operation will be 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Center will be closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
How to donate blood or platelets
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Blood donation safety precautions
To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face masks for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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 or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
