Claudia Peschiutta
GLENDALE -- What some consider the best time of the year is the
worst period for American Red Cross Blood Services.
With students out of school and employees on vacations, the Red Cross
loses many potential donors, said Julie Juliusson, communications manager
for Blood Services in the Southern California region.
Only 3% of Southern California residents donate blood, she said, and
the numbers drop even further during the summer months.
"That 3% of the population is on vacation or doing other things," she
said.
But when donors go away, the need for blood remains.
Juliusson said the Red Cross is down to only 15% of the desired amount
of O+ blood and is also in much need of O- blood, "the two most important
blood types."
"Just because it's summertime, it doesn't mean we don't need blood,"
she said.
The Glendale-Crescenta Valley Chapter of the Red Cross held a blood
drive Tuesday.
"This site has done really well for us," Juliusson said.
Blood donors, she said, must be 17 or older, weigh at least 110
pounds, be in good health and not be at risk for HIV.
HOW TO HELP
To donate blood, call the American Red Cross Blood Services at (800)
448-3543.
