EMECULA, Calif. (March 3, 2022) – Pechanga Resort Casino and American Red Cross hosted a March 1 blood drive for the community and Pechanga team members. Pouring their share of pints into alleviating the worst blood shortage in more than a decade, 105 donors came to the event and 93 units of blood were collected. That exceeds the Red Cross’ goal of 90 units of blood they hoped to net from the drive. Every unit of blood can help save up to three people’s lives.
The Red Cross cites a 10% decline in the number of people donating blood since the pandemic began and ongoing blood drive cancellations.
To further support the Red Cross and its blood collection efforts, Pechanga hosts another blood drive on Tuesday, April 26 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the Pechanga Summit Events Center.
Those who come to give blood will receive goodies courtesy of Pechanga and the Red Cross.
To sign up, visit Pechanga.com/community-giving or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) with sponsor code Pechanga.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
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 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.