As the American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage, First Lady Kristin Cooper successfully completed a lifesaving blood donation on June 17, 2021. Kristin Cooper rolled up her sleeve alongside daughter Natalie, who also donated blood.

“Roy and I are very thankful for the work of the Red Cross and all of our frontline workers throughout this pandemic,” said Kristin Cooper. “I feel like donating blood is one way we can give back and show our gratitude.”

Blood donation is essential to ensuring the health of our communities. The need for blood is constant, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. With no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, the Red Cross needs the help of donors and blood drive hosts to maintain a sufficient blood supply for weeks to come. 

Don’t wait to give
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.