The American Red Cross is asking donors to help save lives by giving blood or platelets in November.
“The last two months of the year can be a challenge for many donors trying to juggle regular donation appointments with packed schedules full of seasonal activities and holiday planning,” according to the Red Cross.
“Donors of all blood types ─ especially those with type O blood ─ are urged to make an appointment to donate now,” the Red Cross said.
To encourage donors to give, the Red Cross and Wheel of Fortune are teaming up to give back to donors this Thanksgiving. Those who come to give blood or platelets between Nov. 23 and Dec. 6 will receive a Red Cross x Wheel of Fortune oversized mug, while supplies last.
Additionally, all who come to give Nov. 23-Dec. 6 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a three-night trip for two to Los Angeles with entry to a “Wheel of Fortune” taping. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/WheelofFortune.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in the Santa Barbara area are:
Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Santa Barbara Airport – DELTA – Old Terminal Building, 500 James Fowler Road.
Nov. 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., UC Santa Barbara University Center, 1 UCEN Road.
Nov. 23, noon-6 p.m., American Red Cross, 2707 State St.
Nov. 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Montecito Family YMCA, 591 Santa Rosa Lane.
To reserve a spot to give blood or platelets, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Also in November, which is National Diabetes Awareness Month, successful donations will get free A1C testing (one result per calendar year; do not fast before donating). For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Maze.