The American Red Cross, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Suburban Propane will team up to help meet the constant need for blood this summer by holding a blood drive at Henry Mayo on Thursday, June 29 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Those who come to donate can enjoy lunch and get a $10 Visa gift card, courtesy of Suburban Propane, while supplies last.

This blood drive comes at a critical time, as the Red Cross sees a decline in blood donations during the summer months. Only about three percent of the U.S. population gives blood, which means a heavy reliance on repeat donors to maintain a sufficient blood supply.

New blood donors are especially needed during the summer months because many schools where blood drives are held – and where new donors give – are not in session. Additionally, current donors often delay giving due to summer vacations.

To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use keyword henrymayo.

Find Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital at 23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia 91355.

How to donate blood
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. 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.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

The above is based on a press release from the American Red Cross.