American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region

Lifesaving skills are even more powerful when you learn them together. This summer, grab your friends and family to turn a day of training into something meaningful and memorable.

You never know when you might be called to help, so why not be ready? Register now and start learning together! Link in the comments.

"I walked into my American Red Cross blood donation appointment in February feeling confident. I eat well, I exercise and I care about doing my part. Then came the results from the hemoglobinometer they slipped over my finger and a polite but firm rejection. My hemoglobin was too low.

It was frustrating, but it sent me down a path I’m grateful for. Because I learned that if you’re vegetarian—or, like me, eat a mostly plant-based diet—you can give blood. You just have to be a bit more intentional about iron."

You can learn more about Dej's experience at our blog, link in the comments.

Today we celebrate the 122nd birthday of Dr. Charles Drew, the “Father of Blood Banking,” whose groundbreaking innovations made modern blood collection and storage possible.

Dr. Drew (1904–1950) was a pioneering surgeon, researcher and educator whose groundbreaking work transformed how blood is collected, stored and transported. His research on blood plasma made it possible to preserve and ship lifesaving blood products at scale, laying the foundation for modern blood banking.

During World War II, Dr. Drew led the “Blood for Britain” program and later became the first medical director of the American Red Cross blood program, helping establish one of the nation’s first large-scale blood donation systems. His innovations, including mobile blood collection units, or “bloodmobiles”, expanded access to donation and helped save hundreds of thousands of lives.

Known as the, “Father of Blood Banking,” his legacy continues to guide the lifesaving work of the Red Cross today, connecting donors to patients in need every day.

During National CPR & AED Awareness Week, meet the amazing youth who have saved lives as teenagers!

Get to know more about Malik from San Mateo, Edward from Castro Valley, Vincent from Vacaville and Rishi from San Francisco at our blog, links to their articles in our story.

If you know someone who has saved a life through CPR, you can nominate them at https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lifesaving

Climate change is turning up the heat around the world. But together, we can today on Heat Action Day!

Heat waves are deadly. Every year, they claim the lives of infants, older people, and people with chronic health conditions around the world. People living in cities and towns tend to be the hardest hit because urban areas are generally hotter than the surrounding countryside.

Due to climate change, heat waves are on the rise. They are getting both hotter and longer. A new report co-developed for Heat Action Day 2024 by Climate Central, World Weather Attribution, and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre details how climate change has driven extreme heat in the last 12 months.

But they don't need to lead to tragedy. There are simple actions we can all take to protect ourselves, our neighbors, our family members and friends. These include drinking water, resting in the shade, and avoiding outdoor activity in the hottest part of the day.

Join the movement and spread awareness!

National Mental Health Awareness Month may be ending, but the need for connection and care continues every day. ❤️

At the Red Cross, volunteers like Sharon show up when it matters most—listening, supporting and helping people take their next steps forward. Here she speaks with Arizona after flooding in San José.

That happy, giddy feeling after donating? That’s you saving lives! Take it from Buddy the Blood Drop!

Make your appointment at redcrossblood.org, roll up your sleeve and be someone’s hero today 💪