Blood Donations Slow to a Trickle
The July 4 holiday weekend and the sweltering heat are just two of the reasons summer blood donations have slowed to a trickle, according to representatives from the American Red Cross.
“The current blood supply is pretty good,” said to Cheryle Babbitt, managing director of donor services. But, she said she fears many people with appointments Friday to donate blood might neglect them in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle.
Blood drives sponsored by businesses make up more than half of all the blood collected by the organization, but few companies are eager to host bloodmobile visits this week since many of their employees are off, Babbitt said.
Roughly 850 people donate blood each week in the Valley, but Richard Bauer, a Red Cross representative, estimates that only about 580 people will give blood this week.
People wishing to donate blood may call (800) GIVE-LIFE, or visit the Valley district Red Cross office at 14717 Sherman Way in Van Nuys.
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