Los Angeles,
11
June
2021
|
06:00 AM
America/Los_Angeles

Experts Urge Blood Donation as Pandemic, Summer Increase Demand

Cedars-Sinai to Host Blood Drives Throughout the Week to Recognize World Blood Donor Day

As the summer season begins, Cedars-Sinai experts are encouraging members of the community to donate blood at one of seven blood drives being held next week in recognition of World Blood Donor Day on June 14.

Armando Romero, associate director of Blood Donor Services, said that the supply of blood products has remained consistently low throughout the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, creating extreme shortages throughout the Los Angeles area and across the country.

"Throughout the pandemic, many organizations like schools, churches and large companies haven't been hosting blood drives like they used to, which has created a consistent shortage," Romero said.

The fast-approaching summer season also increases the need, Romero said. With many people getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and going on their first vacations since the pandemic began, the blood drives that do occur are seeing lower than usual turnout. According to the American Red Cross, only 3% of people in the U.S. donate blood.

"While many of us go on vacation during the summer, the need for blood donations never goes on vacation," Romero said.

In order to meet the critical demand, Cedars-Sinai will be hosting blood drives throughout the Los Angeles area during the upcoming week.

The blood drives are open to anyone who is eligible to donate blood.

Cedars-Sinai takes strict precautions to keep donors safe and prevent the spread of the coronavirus during these drives, Romero said. Blood drives are set up to create physical distancing, and donors are required to wear masks at all times when donating blood. All donors are prescreened for COVID-19 symptoms before entering the blood drive.

 

Sunday, June 13, 2021
Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
8555 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, Calif. 90048
10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Monday, June 14, 2021
Westchester Elks Lodge
8025 W. Manchester Ave.
Playa del Rey, Calif. 90293
1:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 15, 2021
MA Center
128 Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach, Calif. 90277
10:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Northridge Fashion Center
9301 Tampa Ave.
Northridge, Calif. 91324
3 p.m.–9 p.m.

Friday, June 18, 2021
LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce Blood Drive
9100 S. Sepulveda Blvd. #210
Los Angeles, Calif. 90045
10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Saturday, June 19, 2021
A.V. Saving Lives in Summer!
2723 Rancho Vista Blvd.
Palmdale, Calif. 93551
9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, June 20, 2021
Mount Sinai Memorial Parks: Honor Thy Father on Father's Day (Hollywood Hills)
5950 Forest Lawn Drive
Los Angeles, Calif. 90068
9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: A Positive Outcome: Donating Plasma After COVID-19.