As summer officially begins and people gather for holiday celebrations, the American Red Cross is joining forces with active eyewear brand goodr to make the world brighter for patients in need.
All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross July 1-14, will get an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr “Just My Type” sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can personalize their one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker! For details, see RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.
The weeks around Independence Day are among the most challenging days of the year to ensure a strong blood supply, and they fall within the “100 deadly days of summer,” a name often used by the medical community to refer to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During these months regular donors are often busy with travel and vacations, schools are out of session, and fewer businesses are able to host blood drives with many employees out of the office. At the same time, increased activity from road trips, boating, campfires and outdoor activity can lead to an increase in traumatic injuries which may cause the need for blood to increase.
“Behind the barbecues and beach days, someone is waiting for a lifesaving blood transfusion.,” said Darren Irby, executive director of marketing with the Red Cross. “Through this creative collaboration with goodr, we’re reminding people that donating blood can brighten lives in more ways than one.”
Every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. All blood types are needed on an ongoing basis, but of greatest need is Type O blood which doctors reach for in emergency situations. Type O negative is the universal type and Type O positive can be safely transfused to approximately 80 percent of the population. Individuals of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment to donate in the coming weeks to help ensure a strong supply this summer.
To find a blood drive or schedule a donation, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
This Independence Day, let us unite in the American spirit of giving and give the gift of life.
About Blood Donation
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 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.