National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region

Media Contact:

Ashley Henyan

843-571-8945

Ashley.Henyan@redcross.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Red Cross: Communities urged to give blood as winter threat continues

$20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email for those who come to give in February

Washington, DC, Feb. 12, 2024 — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to continue to strengthen the national blood supply this month. The public can book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. People of all blood types – especially type O blood donors, the most needed blood group by hospitals – and platelet donors are needed daily to ensure blood products are available for hospitals at a moment’s notice.

As February continues, so does the potential for additional weather systems to disrupt blood drives and the ability to provide critical blood products to hospitals. While thousands of donors have answered the call to donate in recent weeks to combat a significant drop in the blood supply, more donors are needed now to ensure the blood supply remains ready for those in need of lifesaving medical procedures.

Don’t wait − make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. In thanks for helping, all who come to give in February will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Heart.

February is Black History Month: Black Excellence is in Our Blood

“Black Excellence Is in Our Blood” is more than a mantra. Blood donations from individuals who are Black play a vital role in meeting the broader transfusion needs of patients and those with sickle cell disease. That’s why the Red Cross is teaming up with partners in the Black community, to rally blood donors to give in honor of Black History Month. In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people — the majority of whom are of African descent — have sickle cell disease and may require regular blood transfusions to help manage their disease. And one in three African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease.

Commemorate Black History Month by rolling up a sleeve to give blood with the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Washington, DC and the University of the District of Columbia on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 9am to 3pm at the University of the District of Columbia (4200 Connecticut Ave NW). Appointments are highly recommended and those interested can schedule a time to donate by entering sponsor code DC NPHC at RedCrossBlood.org

For all other blood donation opportunities, please enter your zip-code at RedCrossBlood.org

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.

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