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# Red Cross Urges Blood Donations as Spring Approaches
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/red-cross-urges-blood-donations-as-spring-approaches/
- Published: 2026-03-17T19:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-17T18:59:59.000Z
- Author: Maaz Alin
- Tags: Health, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, MDR, Malibu

The American Red Cross is calling on donors to help the national blood supply recover following a severe shortage, offering free A1C testing and $15 Amazon gift cards for those who donate in March.

Donors of all blood types remain critical to maintaining a steady blood supply headed into spring, when severe weather threatens potential disruptions to patient care, the organization said.

Those who donate blood, platelets or plasma through March 31 will receive A1C testing and a $15 Amazon gift card by email. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/March.

To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Upcoming donation opportunities include:

**Malibu:** March 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pepperdine Law School, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway

**Marina del Rey:** March 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way

**Santa Monica:** March 11, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Monica Catholic Church, 725 California Ave.; March 12, 17, 19, 26 and 30, 1-7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St.; March 28, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St.

Edited by SMDP Staff