United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County will collaborate with Vitalant to host a blood drive, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, June 19, at its Goleta Unit, 5701 Hollister Ave. The event will take place in the club’s gym where there are plenty of entrances and exits for social distancing.
All blood types are critically needed right now, with an especially high need for type O, A-negative and B-negative red blood cells, Vitalant said.
In addition, platelets are always needed by patients for cancer treatments, surgeries and emergencies. Because of its short shelf life — five days — the supply of platelets must be continually replenished.
Vitalant recently released its Because of You, Life Doesn’t Stop campaign, calling on all donors to take action now and give blood or convalescent plasma to meet immediate and ongoing needs.
Recovered COVID-19 patients have immune-boosting antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in their plasma, which can be given to patients currently fighting COVID-19. UBGC is proud to be part of the campaign by providing a safe indoor space for donors to come and donate blood.
“We always value our collaborative relationships, and during these challenging times they are more important now than ever before. That is why we are delighted to be partnering once again with Vitalant. Please join me in giving blood to this organization that is doing such great work,”said Michael Baker, UBGC CEO.
The blood drive will follow all COVID-19 procedures and will take donors temperatures upon check-in. Donors and staff are required to wear face makes or cloth-based face coverings, and will ensure social distancing.
To book a time, visit https://www.blood4life.org/ click locate blood drive and enter 1617 for Sponsor Code or call 805-681-1315 for questions or assistance.