Local blood drive combats shortage
The American Red Cross has faced a “concerning” drop in blood and platelet donations this summer, according to the organization, and donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.
The decline in donations has caused the Red Cross blood supply to shrink nearly 20% in recent weeks.
Type O negative blood donors and platelet donors are especially needed now.
“This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves,” said Paul Sullivan, Red Cross senior vice president of donor services. “By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and those who rely on transfusions for treatment.”
In Los Gatos, a blood drive is scheduled on Aug. 6 from 9am to 3pm at 580 West Parr Ave.
Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1.800.733.2767.
All who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year. There will be three winners. Everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.
Behavioral Health Navigator Program launches
Santa Clara County’s Behavioral Health Navigator Program, which was proposed by County Supervisor Joe Simitian, launched on July 27.
This program will help connect individuals and families to County and community resources, and guide them through the behavioral health system, ensuring that community members have access to accurate and relevant information and to resources for mental health and substance use.
“People who need mental health help—for themselves, a friend or a family member—are already in a world of hurt,” Simitian said. “Then they have to confront a ‘system’ that’s complicated, confusing and bureaucratic. What I hear too often is that folks really need a guide—I call it a ‘navigator’—to help them find the right path to treatment, and then stay on it.”
The navigator is envisioned as a way to connect patients and their families to a range of County and County-contracted services, and when appropriate, even identify private resources. The end goal is to connect patients with the resources that best fit their needs. When possible, that includes finding help in the communities where patients live.
For information, visit bit.ly/3zHOO3f.
Roadwork continues overnight
The North 40 project’s contractor will be performing an overnight road resurfacing project on Los Gatos Boulevard (between Lark Avenue and Burton Road) and on Lark Avenue (from Los Gatos Boulevard to Highway 17 overcrossing) from Aug. 1-5 and 8-10.
The permitted working hours are from 8pm to 6am.
Remote town meetings continue
The Town of Los Gatos is continuing remote Town Council, board, commission and committee meetings through at least mid-September.
Meetings remain remote due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The existing and ongoing Public Health Emergency at the state, county and town levels recommends that public bodies meet remotely to the extent possible consistent with state law.
The public is encouraged to continue to participate in remote meetings by visiting LosGatosCA.gov/Agendas, downloading the appropriate agenda, and viewing page two of the agenda for Zoom meeting link or instructions for calling in by phone.
Dodd recognized by Genesee Community College
Connor Dodd of Los Gatos was among 210 students from Genesee Community College who were named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2022 semester.
All full- and part-time students honored on the Dean’s List have earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74.
Genesee Community College serves more 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs, certificates and micro-credentials. It has six campus locations in Batavia, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw in western New York.
