By Natalie MAIER

Every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion in the United States. Every day, more than 44,000 blood donations are needed for patients, according to the American Red Cross.

Two local blood drives are being held this week to help fill that need, one on June 18 at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and another on June 21 at Verdugo Hills Hospital from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dep. Jorge Valdivia of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station hopes at least 25 donors will give this year, adding that during summer the blood banks generally run low.

“We’re really hoping for the community support of this event because it’s tough during the summertime. [The Huntington Hospital] blood supply is extremely low,” Valdivia said.

All the donations collected at the CV Sheriff’s Station will go to Huntington Hospital, a trauma two hospital that treats patients suffering from everything from gunshot to stabbing wounds.

Valdivia has seen firsthand how blood transfusions save lives and encourages the community to do its part by donating.

“If you have the opportunity, if you get a chance, and you’re not afraid of a little needle, we should all be doing our part and help save lives,” Valdivia said.

Those who would like to be a blood donor may call Dep. Valdivia at (818) 236-4021 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. The CV Sheriffs Station is located at 4554 Briggs Ave. in La Crescenta. Donors will receive a free pint of ice cream from Baskin Robbins.

Over at Verdugo Hills Hospital, the American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at the hospital’s fourth floor council rooms.

“The more [donors] the better because [the blood donated] goes directly back to the hospital and benefits our patients at Verdugo,” said Celine Petrossian from Verdugo Hill’s Hospital’s Marketing and Public Relations Dept.

All participants will receive a Wahoo’s Free Taco Coupon, two tickets to an L.A. Galaxy soccer game (per ticket processing fee) and two Laugh Factory tickets.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood at Verdugo Hills Hospital, visit: www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: verdugohospital or contact Axel Arndt at (818) 952-2297 or email AxelArndt@vhhospital.org with questions.

Verdugo Hills Hospital is located at 1812 Verdugo Blvd. in Glendale.

All blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 lbs. and have not gotten a tattoo within the last 12 months.

For more detailed information about donor requirements, visit: www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements.

  Natalie MAIER