August 28, 2017 – With the arrival of Labor Day and summer coming to an end, the American Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to roll up a sleeve and give blood or platelets to help ensure sufficient supplies over the holiday weekend.
While thousands of people answered the emergency call for blood and platelet donations issued by the Red Cross earlier this summer, blood and platelet donors are still needed to help ensure blood products are available to meet hospital patient needs over Labor Day and through the fall.
Patients in local hospitals often can’t take a break to enjoy the holiday; however, blood and platelet donors can give these patients a chance to enjoy this time with family and friends – simply by rolling up a sleeve.
SPECIAL APPRECIATION FOR THOSE WHO COME TO GIVE
Donors of all blood types are needed. To encourage donations around the Labor Day holiday, individuals who come to give blood or platelets from September 1 – 5 will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
In addition, those who come to give blood or platelets Sept. 1 – 30 will receive a coupon for a free Sport Clips haircut via email several days after their donation. The coupon is valid through Nov. 11, 2017, at participating Sport Clips locations. Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon.
THE NEED FOR BLOOD IS CONSTANT
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a lifesaving blood transfusion. The Red Cross needs to collect nearly 14,000 units of blood each day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, children with blood disorders and others. Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO GIVE
For more information or to make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days and platelets can be given every seven days – up to 24 times a year. 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. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
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.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
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.
