Donate Blood Friday to Combat Summer Blood Supply Shortages

A blood drive will be held at the Dollar Store Friday at 894 Palm Avenue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Generally speaking, summers are difficult for blood banks to find enough donors, and southern California is currently experiencing a shortage, said Nicholas Samaniego with the American Red Cross, the nation's largest supplier of blood to hospitals.

"Summers are traditionally tough for us for a couple of different reasons but mainly because school is out," he said. That means more more kids get hurt and fewer donors as people travel on vacations. The Fourth of July weekend can even further strain supply.

"Anytime there's a long weekend there's an added risk," Samaniego said.

Supply is especially low for blood types O negative and A negative.

"We don't want to get to a point where we have to give calls to hospitals to avoid certain procedures or tell them they need to preserve as much blood as possible," he said.

To schedule your appointment go to redcrossblood.org or call 619-259-1622 and ask in English or Spanish to speak with Carina.

All students 17 or older will get 10 hours of community service.

Donors will receive a Vans Warped tour meet and greet voucher granting VIP access to concert attendees.

ID is required.