Red Cross hosts first blood drive, new implementations on qualifications for blood donors

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The Red Cross held their first blood drive of the year on Oct. 5 in the Multi-Purpose Room. Snacks and refreshments were provided for blood donors to replenish after donation.

According to the Southern California Red Cross Blood Services, there has been a shortage of blood and platelet donations since 2016.

Math teacher Huong Tran has donated for four years since she became an adviser of the Red Cross at San Gabriel High School.

“[I donate] to save three lives,” Tran said. “It is important because I had surgery before and sometimes you need blood.”

In order to donate, the provider “must weigh at least 110 lbs to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety,” based on the Blood Donor Eligibility Criteria. Providers who have used K2, a synthetic marijuana, are not permitted to donate due to possible rat poison and other dangerous chemicals.

For more information on how to donate, use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call (800) 733-2767.

Helpful websites:

https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/news/article/southern-california-red-cross-issues-emergency-call-for-blood-and-platelet-donations-to-address-significant-

shortage.htmlhttps://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-alphabetical.html