People wanting to make a lifesaving difference in the Inland Empire now have the opportunity to donate blood and platelets and access services including disaster preparedness at the American Red Cross Riverside Blood Donation Center and Humanitarian Services office.

The new fully funded blood donation center is made possible thanks to the generosity of lead donor, the Rauch Family Foundation and additional supporters, who are committed to improving health outcomes for populations in the Inland Empire and around the globe through blood processing, collection and distribution.

“The Red Cross is pleased to offer our community this new opportunity to help provide hope, healing and access to treatment for patients, thanks for the generosity of the Rauch Family Foundation,” said Lois Beckman, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Riverside County. “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. Thanks to our benefactors, we can also shine a light on the unsung heroes—our committed blood and platelet donors and advocates—who volunteer their time and deliver hope by rolling up their sleeves to give blood."

Dedicated to Local Heroes

On December 17, the blood donation center celebrated its grand opening event. With the Rauch Family Foundation’s encouragement, the blood donation center was dedicated to the Red Cross Inland Empire Heroes Awards ‘Gift of Life’ Award honorees. These local heroes include Riverside County and San Bernardino County residents who have supported the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross through their extraordinary number of blood or platelet donations or inspired others to donate blood or platelets helping hospital patients in need. 

Meeting Critical Needs

Having a readily available blood supply is vital for patients including accident victims, surgery patients, and those undergoing treatment for cancer and other diseases. 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. In the donation center’s first year of operation, the goal is to collect over 2,400 whole blood units and over 1,700 platelet units for local hospital patients – with plans to increase over time. This is needed for the 115 Southern California hospitals that the Red Cross serves.

Biomedical and Humanitarians Services Under One Roof

The event also marked the celebration of the newly updated Humanitarian Services office with operations providing emergency preparedness and disaster relief, Service to the Armed Forces, volunteer recruitment, and more, to deliver help and hope throughout Riverside County and beyond.  In addition to providing lifesaving blood products, the Red Cross mobilizes relief to families affected by disasters, trains people in lifesaving skills and provides services to active and veteran U.S. military personnel and their families. By supporting the Red Cross, you can help family and friends in your community and across the country. 

Make an Appointment to Donate Blood or Platelets

To book a time to give at the Red Cross Riverside Blood Donation Center, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) with sponsor code RiversideCA.