American Red Cross Hosting Lake Elsinore Blood Drive Amid Shortfall

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The American Red Cross has witnessed a shortfall of blood donations in the first two months of the summer, which makes it hard to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products, according to the nonprofit.

To that end, the organization is hosting local blood donation opportunities across Riverside County, including in Lake Elsinore, and offering a $10 movie e-gift card to those who give.

"By making an appointment to give blood or platelets in August, donors can keep the national blood supply from falling to shortage levels," according to the organization. "Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive, type B negative and type A negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors. For those who don’t know their blood type, making a donation is an easy way to find out this important personal health information. The Red Cross will notify new donors of their blood type soon after they give."

The following sites in Lake Elsinore and nearby Southwest Riverside County will be hosting blood drives:

Lake Elsinore

• 8/24/2023: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Lake Elsinore Cultural Center, 183 North Main Street

Menifee

• 8/28/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, 30140 Town Center Drive

Murrieta

• 8/18/2023: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Rancho Springs Hospital, 25520 Medical Drive

Temecula

• 8/18/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., City of Temecula, 41000 Main Street
• 8/20/2023: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Nothing Bundt Cakes, 27540 Ynez Road, # J1
• 8/21/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Calvary Chapel Bible Fellowship, 34180 Rancho California Road
• 8/25/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Temecula Valley Hospital, 31700 Temecula Parkway
• 8/28/2023: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Bank of America, 27489 Ynez Road

All who give during August will get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.

To schedule an appointment to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification, are required at check-in for donation. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Related: Inland Empire Blood Supply Takes 'Huge Hit,' Donors Desperately Needed