Blood Drives Planned to Alleviate Shortage

Three local churches will host special Save-A-Life blood drives next month to help the American Red Cross stave off a severe local blood shortage.

The blood drives have been scheduled for Jan. 5 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church at 15444 Nordhoff St. in North Hills from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Grace Community Church of the Valley at 13248 Roscoe Blvd. in Sun Valley from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., and St. Cyril’s Catholic Church at 15522 Ventura Blvd. in Encino from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Blood donation shortages are a routine problem during the busy holiday season for a number of reasons, said Rick Radillo, a spokesman for the Red Cross.

The Red Cross is closed on Christmas and New Year’s, which translates into two fewer days for donations, Radillo said. And blood drives held during the holiday season at local companies tend to attract fewer donors because many workers are off on vacation.

When there are blood donation shortages, Radillo said, doctors do not schedule elective surgeries in order to reserve blood for those who need it most.

To avoid severe shortages in the future, the Red Cross is working with the media to reach out to the local Latino community, Radillo said .

“We’re currently coming up with an entire slate of marketing materials and videos that address their culture in their language,” Radillo said.

“They consist of upwards of 40% of our population, and a lot of them only speak Spanish.”

Anyone age 17 or older, who weighs at least 110 pounds, is in good health and is not at risk for HIV/AIDS, may be a volunteer blood donor. Appointments to donate can be made by calling (800) 491-2113.