By Sean Inoue, Red Cross Biomedical Services
The American Red Cross has been hard at work ensuring there is enough blood for patients during this ongoing crisis. However, we cannot do our work alone. Most blood drives take place because of generous partners in the community including schools, hospitals, community organizations, cities and other civic organizations. To thank them for their dedication and hard work in being partners, every month we will identify and feature two community partners that have gone above and beyond in their critical role to ensure a stable blood supply. The “Service Spotlight” is our way of saying “thank you” to our generous and paramount partners.
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles has been making a positive impact in our Los Angeles communities for more than 130 years. This year has been no different. Their branches and independent locations stretch across 100 miles of Los Angeles County from Antelope Valley to San Pedro. 
As community organizations, businesses and schools restrict access to facilities, which once were open to local events and members of the public, the Red Cross blood drives have faced the same fate as several locations have had to cancel. However, when the call to action was placed, this longtime partner stepped up their support as a Blood Program Partner to help meet the critical need. The YMCA has since hosted more than 50 community drives to collect more than 3,000 units to help save up to 9099 lives! They continue to play a principal role in our lifesaving mission by hosting frequent blood drives during this pandemic.
City of Beverly Hills
The City of Beverly Hills has a strong dedication to serving the community. As a longtime Blood Program Partner, the city has hosted semi-annual blood drives for the staff and the community. Regular blood and platelet donations help ensure communities are prepared for emergencies. 
However, with the pandemic closing most schools, colleges and community drives, we saw an unprecedented number of cancellations. In the face of the pandemic and our call out action, the City of Beverly Hills opened their doors to city hall and their community centers, to ensure we could fulfill our life-saving mission. Their important work helps provide convenience to donors and efficiency to how we serve our mission, no matter what conditions exist as a result of pandemic spread. Because of their dedication, the City of Beverly Hills has helped to collect more than 300 units helping save up to 900 lives.
Host a Blood Drive
Because about 80 percent of blood donations are made at drives hosted by community organizations, schools and businesses, the Red Cross urgently needs the help of both donors and drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.
Learn more and sign up to sponsor a drive by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
Thank you to this month’s blood drive spotlights and to all who host blood drives in their communities to help us meet this essential need.
