The Cupertino Northwest YMCA is hosting a community blood drive with Stanford Blood Center today.
Blood donations are always in high demand and remain an essential activity. While all blood types are welcome, Stanford Blood Center says Type O is particularly helpful as O- blood is universal and can be given to any recipient, no matter their blood type. It is also most often used for trauma and pediatric patients.
“The need for blood is constant. Even during a pandemic. Currently, there are more than 200 surgeries per day at our partner hospitals, and blood donations are used to save about 12,000 lives a day. In order to help meet patients’ increasing need for blood products at this time, we are working within social distancing guidelines to schedule new mobile blood drives,” said Phillip Martin, Stanford Blood Center Account Manager.
Openings for donation are from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Northwest YMCA site at 20803 Alves Dr. in Cupertino. Walk-in donations are limited so Stanford encourages donors to make an appointment by calling 888-723-7831 or by visiting the Stanford Blood Center website here.
In preparation for their donation, donors are advised to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with their donor ID. First time donors or returning donors without a donor ID card should bring a valid state-issued photo identification.
To check if you’re eligible to donate blood, click here.