OAKLAND (Calif.), January 9, 2023 — People wanting to make a lifesaving difference in the Bay Area now have the chance to donate blood or platelets at a new Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center opening Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 5450 College Avenue in Oakland.
Over the coming months, the existing Oakland Red Cross Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center - located at 6230 Claremont Avenue - will also remain open for blood and platelet donations on a modified schedule. The Red Cross will continue to collect blood products seven days a week in Oakland with a complementary donation schedule for donors at both sites:
Oakland Red Cross Donation Center - College Avenue will offer blood and platelet appointments on the following days:
Oakland Red Cross Donation Center - Claremont Avenue will offer blood, platelet, and plasma appointments on the following days:
Later in 2023, blood collections will cease at the Claremont Avenue location and days of operation will be added to the College Avenue location. The new Oakland Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center at College Avenue is located at the corner of Kales Avenue and College Avenue. It is about .6 miles, or a 3-minute drive, from the current Red Cross Claremont Avenue location, and provides donors with a new, spacious facility and more parking options.
“Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and year-round, the Red Cross has a constant need for blood and platelet donors,” said Hanna Malak, Regional CEO for the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “We are so pleased to offer donors this new opportunity to help provide hope, healing and access to treatment for patients in need.”
In addition to the Oakland Blood Donation Centers, individuals can also give blood or platelets at Red Cross blood center and blood drives across the Bay Area and beyond.
How to donate blood or platelets
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 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 and platelet 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
Media contact: Cari Dighton
(415) 583-2949 | cari.dighton@redcross.org
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.