Donate Blood, Enter To Win Free Gas For A Year In Berkeley

BERKELEY, CA — The American Red Cross blood supply has dropped nearly 20 percent in recent weeks due to a decline in blood and platelet donations, the organization announced.

To prevent a blood shortage, the Red Cross is hosting blood drives across Alameda County and offering incentives for donors.

Anyone who donates blood or platelets between Aug. 1-31 will automatically be entered for a chance to win free gas for a year, a $6,000 value, according to the Red Cross. Donors will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.

"This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves," Paul Sullivan, Red Cross senior vice president of donor services, said in a news release. "By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and those who rely on transfusions for treatment."

Red Cross blood drives are taking place across the county, including in Berkeley. See a list of upcoming blood drives below. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a blood drive.

Blood Donation Opportunities

Alameda

Aug. 6: St. Philip Neri Church, 3120 Van Buren St., Alameda

Fremont

Daily: Fremont - Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Blvd., Newark

Aug. 6: Pathway Community Church, 4500 Thornton Ave., Fremont

Hayward

Aug. 27: New Hope Christian Fellowship, 22110 Montgomery St., Hayward

Livermore

Aug. 4: Costco Livermore, 2800 Independence Dr., Livermore

Newark

Daily: Fremont - Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Blve., Newark

Oakland

Daily: Oakland Blood Donation Center, 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland

Pleasanton

Daily: Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5880 W. Las Positas Blvd., Suite 34,Pleasanton

San Lorenzo

Aug. 24: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 859 Grant Ave., San Lorenzo

More blood drives could be added as the month progresses.

What To Know About Giving Blood.

Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for more information or to make an appointment.

A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 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 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Donors can save time by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.