News Summary
The American Red Cross is encouraging residents of Mission Viejo to donate blood this November due to a significant decline in donor turnout this fall. As hospitals brace for increased demand leading into the holiday season, community members are urged to participate in local blood drives. Donors can receive incentives including e-gift cards and a chance to win grand prizes. With a nationwide blood shortage affecting Orange County, the need for donations, especially from Type O blood donors, is critical. Detailed information about donation opportunities is available on the Red Cross website.
Mission Viejo, CA – The American Red Cross is calling on residents of Mission Viejo to step up and donate blood this November as the organization faces a significant drop in donor turnout this fall. The urgency of the appeal comes as hospitals prepare for the increased demand for blood and platelets ahead of the holiday season, which is traditionally a critical time for healthcare facilities.
Christine Welch, a spokesperson for the organization, noted that blood donors of every type are needed to replenish supplies. The American Red Cross is actively encouraging community members to schedule their donations at local blood donation centers or participate in community blood drives as soon as possible.
As an added incentive, individuals who donate blood between October 27 and November 16 will receive $20 in e-gift cards. Additionally, donors will be automatically entered to win one of three $5,000 grand prizes, making this not only a philanthropic effort but an opportunity for donors to gain extra rewards.
The need for blood donations in Orange County is particularly pressing this season. The Red Cross is currently grappling with a nationwide blood shortage, which has been exacerbated by a recent decline in donations as well as severe weather conditions and natural disasters, including hurricanes. These events have temporarily disrupted blood and platelet collection operations across various regions.
Type O blood donors and those who can donate platelets are being emphasized as especially critical in these efforts, as these blood components are vital for patient care and emergency treatments.
For those in the Mission Viejo area looking to donate blood, a comprehensive list of upcoming blood drives can be found directly on the American Red Cross website. Individuals can easily schedule appointments by utilizing the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org. Additionally, appointments can also be made by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Donors are reminded that they will need to present either a blood donor card or identification at the check-in point on the day of their donation. Those who wish to donate must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in generally good health to qualify.
The American Red Cross plays a crucial role in the nation’s healthcare and disaster response systems, supplying approximately 40% of the blood required by hospitals across the country. The organization relies heavily on volunteer efforts and community participation to meet these vital needs, particularly during challenging times when emergency resources are stretched the thinnest.
As the holiday season approaches, the American Red Cross is hopeful that the Mission Viejo community will respond positively to this urgent call for blood donations, helping to ensure that hospitals are equipped to provide life-saving care to those in need.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Orange County Blood Drives Announced
Blood Drive in San Juan Capistrano to Support Red Cross
Mission Viejo Farmers Market Set for October Saturdays
Mission Viejo Hosts Series of Blood Drives
Blood Drives Scheduled in South Orange County
Fatal Crash in Laguna Beach Claims Life of Woman
Pedestrian Fatally Struck in Laguna Beach Hit-and-Run
Mission Viejo Hosts Blood Drives in October
South Orange County Hosts Blood Drives in October
South Orange County Blood Donation Drives in October
Additional Resources
- Patch: Mission Viejo Blood Drive
- Wikipedia: Blood Donation
- Fullerton Observer: National Blood Shortage
- Google Search: Blood Donation Events
- Patch: Donate Blood for Rewards
- Google Scholar: Blood Demand and Donation
- South OC Beaches: Rancho Mission Viejo Blood Drive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Blood
- South OC Beaches: Blood Drives Guide
- Google News: Blood Donation Shortage
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
