Giving blood is never out of season, but Cedars-Sinai is helping us remember that January is National Blood Donor Month with a three-day blood drive at the Beverly Center from January 8-10. According to the American Red Cross at the link above, “Blood donations typically drop off during and immediately after the winter holidays, which makes National Blood Donor Month in January a critical time” for national blood supplies. “Busy schedules, holiday breaks from school, inclement weather and winter illnesses contribute to fewer blood and platelet donations,” says the organization. And “Since December, severe winter weather has forced the Red Cross to cancel dozens of blood drives, leaving hundreds of donations uncollected.”
And, of course, all of this gets even more difficult with the ongoing pandemic.
To help collect and promote new donations at this challenging time, Cedars-Sinai and the Beverly Center are hosting a three-day blood drive from 11 am. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (January 8-10) at the Osteria Cal Mare restaurant on the first floor of the Beverly Center – 8500 La Cienega Blvd.
Free parking will be provided in the mall’s parking structure, and free blood typing and testing will be provided for all successful donors. Donors will also receive a gift card from the Tocaya Organica restaurant.
To donate, sign up at one of the following links:
Friday, January 8
Saturday, January 9
Sunday, January 10
And for more information, contact Elnie Vannatim at Cedars Sinai – [email protected]
