Rodeo Realty Agents Host Annual Blood Drive At The Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center

Haroldine Gearhart and Ioanna Kamar of Rodeo Realty's Calabasas branch are holding their annual American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center, 23400 Park Sorrento in Calabasas, on Sun., Nov. 18 from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Gearhart has partnered up with the American Red Cross every year for these annual blood drives. "The American Red Cross blood banks run extremely low during the upcoming holiday period because everyone is busy planning their holiday parties and vacations" said Gearhart.

By advertising this event, they gain community involvement and are able to give the American Red Cross the much needed donations for their blood bank.

"Please take the time and consider becoming a donor at my annual blood drive on Nov. 18. Since, it is that time of year where we give thanks, what better gift to give than the 'gift of life?'" said Gearhart. The number one reason people don't donate is they were never asked! Did you know:

When you donate, you can find out your blood type. One pint of blood can save up to three or more lives. An adult body contains 10 to 12 pints of blood.

The universal blood type is 0 positive.

The most common blood type is 0 positive. Locally, the Southern California region needs to collect 700 units of 0 positive every day.

By the time we are 75 years old, 80 percent of us will have used blood ourselves.

There is virtually no pain associated with giving blood. The only sensation is a momentary "pinching" feeling as the needle is inserted.

On average, 30 to 50 units of blood products are used during a liver transplant. These patients will use more blood products for three to four weeks. After a donation, the body goes to work restoring fluids and red blood cells. Fluid volume is replenished within 48 hours, and red blood cells are replaced within six weeks. You are eligible to give every 56 days or eight weeks. Just 3 percent of the population in Southern California donates.

Forty percent of the blood needed to meet the needs of Southern California patients comes from other parts of the country. The Southern California region needs to collect over 1,500 units of blood each day to meet patient needs and the region provides blood to more than 150 area hospitals.

For obtain additional information, go to www.haroldine.com or call (818) 469-1804, or www.ioannarodeorealty.com or call (818) 266-4107.