Last week, the most travelers in nearly fifteen years hit the roads and friendly skies to celebrate the holiday, according to AAA. Inclement weather disrupted plans for many Americans – while both travel and severe weather negatively impacted blood donations.
Over the last week over 1,000 units of blood went uncollected. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million units of blood and platelets will be transfused to patients in the United States. It is the blood already on hospital shelves that makes a lifesaving difference.
Right now, the American Red Cross has a critical need for type O negative blood. Its use is critical for the treatment of patients in emergency situations when there is no time to determine blood type. Enter this season of giving by scheduling an appointment to give blood today.
Schedule an appointment to give blood with the American Red Cross by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or activating the Blood Scheduling Skill for Amazon Alexa.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
