Red Cross needs blood; prize drawing offered

The Southern California Red Cross is critically low on blood and is offering a prize drawing to boost blood and platelet donations, officials said.

Red Cross’ inventory for type O-negative, O-positive and B-negative are all critically low in Southern California. A five- to seven-day supply of each blood type is generally considered adequate in case of emergencies, officials said. The Red Cross has less than a day’s supply of all three types, officials said.

Anyone who signs up to donate blood or platelets in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Ventura counties this month can sign up for a May drawing for 24 free movie tickets to their preferred movie theater. The tickets are nontransferable and not redeemable for cash.

The winner will be announced by May 15.

Any healthy person at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 110 pounds is eligible to donate. All donors are asked to schedule an appointment by calling (800) GIVE-LIFE or going online to www.GiveLife.org.

— Joseph Serna