Contra Costa Blood Drives This Month: Red Cross

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY — Back in 2005, Leslie Johnson was in a farming accident here in California that left her with broken bones and massive bleeding. In the first 24 hours after the accident, she received 10 units of blood and platelets. More transfusions and surgeries followed, according to the Red Cross.

Johnson’s daughter, Emily, hosted a blood drive at her high school last semester to pay forward her mom’s gift. “If blood had not been available when she needed it, she might not be here today," said Emily. "I might not have had my mom growing up. It’s my honor to be able to promote blood donation and help pay it forward to others in need.”

The American Red Cross typically has a tough time with donations during the winter months because of bad weather and seasonal illnesses. But the pandemic adds another challenge in keeping the blood supply strong.

The Red Cross is urging healthy people to make an appointment to give blood or platelets this month. As a thank you gift, donors will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon.

Donors will find out within two weeks if their blood tests positive for COVID-19 antibodies.

Schedule an appointment

Make your appointment to give blood, platelets, or plasma with the Red Cross by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Donation drives in Contra Costa County

Antioch
2/17/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Rotary Club Antioch, 4800 Golf Course Road

Brentwood
2/11/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Brentwood, 2350 Jeffery Way

Concord
2/19/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union, 2748 East Olivera Road
2/20/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - ST. BONAVENTURE, 5562 Clayton Road

Lafayette
2/16/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation, 3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard

Pleasant Hill
Daily, Contra Costa Blood Donation Center, 140 Gregory Lane

Richmond
2/17/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 2533 Nevin Avenue

San Ramon
2/11/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road

Walnut Creek
2/27/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Walnut Creek Overlook Chapel, 2369 Overlook Drive