SoCal launches urgent blood drives as critical blood type supply runs dangerously low

SoCal needs blood now — and you can help.

The charitable American Red Cross declared a critical need for universal donor Type O blood and others after donations dropped to a four-year summer low.

The blood crisis grew so critical at one point that the organization had less than a one-day national supply of Type O positive blood in late July. American Red Cross leadership emphasized the enormity of the problem.

“When blood donations decline, patients facing emergencies, cancer treatments and other serious medical conditions can feel the impact almost immediately,” Jacquelyn Clites, regional chief executive officer for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, told the Los Angeles Daily News.

A great opportunity for Southern Californians to give blood is at this weekend’s large-scale blood drive at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The American Red Cross is teaming up with the International WeLoveU Foundation for three major blood drives across the country in Pasadena, Portland, Oregon, and Philadelphia on Sunday.

Hundreds of generous donors have already scheduled appointments at the Pasadena drive, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 300 E. Green St. The organizers are aiming for at least 300 appointments, and walk-ins will also be accepted.

Blood donations could be life-saving. A person in a car wreck could require as many as 100 units of blood, the American Red Cross said.

“Every time a volunteer rolls up their sleeve, they’re making a decision that could save a stranger’s life within hours,” Jessica Amaya, a program manager with the WeLoveU Foundation, told the Daily News.

The American Red Cross said extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout this summer.

The group referred to the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the “100 deadliest days,” because of an annual increase in severe injuries from car crashes and recreational accidents. A lack of blood only worsens patients’ chances of survival, they added.