American Red Cross Offers Gifts To Platelet Donors

By Jared Schultzman, American Red Cross

OAKLAND – In the blood banking industry, platelets, the component of blood that enables it to clot, are always in high demand. And the slightest decrease in donations can have an impact on the community blood supply. And that is why the American Red Cross is trying to stay proactive in Northern California. 

“The winter holidays are always a challenge with platelets, especially when Christmas and New Year fall on a weekend,” said Jeff Meyer, CEO of the American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region. “This is because platelets must be transfused within 5 days of collection. With a 2 day turnaround for the necessary testing, that only leaves 3 days to match up donated platelets with patient needs."

To help meet the demand for platelets, the Red Cross has a special offer for its donors. 

In the month of November, all presenting platelet donors in the Northern California Region will receive a pair of movie tickets. And on November 23 (the day before Thanksgiving), presenting platelet donors will receive a $25 gift certificate for HoneyBaked Ham (instead of movie tickets).* 

The importance of platelets cannot be overstated.

Cancer patients, especially those with leukemia, may require chemotherapy, which often renders the body unable to produce platelets.  Surgical and trauma patients may require platelets to help the blood clot and prevent severe bleeding.

Adriana Aboumrad, a freshman at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, had leukemia as a child and is currently in remission.  Her mother, Leanne, says it was the community of donors who really helped Adriana to get through her surgery and recovery.

“I didn't realize how dependent cancer patients are on blood products during treatment,” Leanne said.  “If I held a thank you party for Adriana’s donors, I don’t think that they would fit in my house.”

In an effort to accommodate its platelet donors, the Red Cross is working to install the equipment necessary to collect platelets in its Pleasanton Blood Donation Center in the JC Penney Plaza at 5556-B Springdale Avenue (zip: 94588).  Platelet collection at the Pleasanton center is scheduled to begin on December 12.  And Meyer plans to be the first donor that day.

“The Red Cross needs to offer additional locations to build our platelet donor base,” said Meyer. “We also have platelet donors who live in the Tri-Valley driving to our Pleasant Hill and Oakland centers.  We hope by having platelet collections in Pleasanton, these donors will find it more convenient and donate more often.”

Existing Red Cross platelet collection locations can be found in Oakland, Pleasant Hill and San Jose.  The Red Cross strongly encourages male donors with blood types A, B or AB to consider giving platelets.  For more information, call 1-888-881-0988.

*Movie tickets and HoneyBaked Ham gift certificate are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.