Baseball fans may already be aware: the booster clubs of both the Dodgers and Angels are getting their players into position to help the American Red Cross cope with its first, serious blood-shortage in more than five years.

Well, we want the rest of our Southern California community to know too: our blood supply has dropped to critically low levels!

Both booster clubs are now urging all baseball fans to help save lives by casting votes for their favorite team at the "14th Annual, Angels vs. Dodgers Booster Clubs' Blood Drive." This is an opportunity for the entire community to don their "rally caps", bring their "rally monkies" and join together to help stabilize our blood supply... a great team-win!

Fans, firefighters, friends and families may donate at any of these locations on Saturday, June 30, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Donors will receive a very special, commemorative t-shirt and a voucher for 2 tickets to an Angels or Dodgers home game. Quantities are limited.

To reserve your time on June 30 or to schedule an appointment on another day, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org. Be sure to enter "homerun" in the sponsor code space provided. You will also find answers to many frequently asked questions.

Unless generous blood donors step forward soon, blood products will not be available for patients in an emergency or medical crisis. Blood shortages this severe, are rare. The critically-low blood levels we face in hospitals across the country, present a challenge to each of us. Some hospitals have been forced to make terrible choices. In fact, some have begun to postpone surgeries. There are other hospitals where doctors have had to triage patients, to determine those with the greatest blood needs.

Your choice to help replenish the blood supply, may help make their choices easier.

Please join us.


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department