Media Contact: Alan Ruiz
(817) 771-2754 | Alan.Ruiz@redcross.org

DALLAS, May 3, 2023 - When every second counts, blood products can provide lifesaving care. The American Red Cross asks the public to give blood during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O negative blood donors are especially needed right now.

The power of type O blood

• Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.
• Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.
• Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and are often given to trauma and surgery patients. Type O blood donors are ideal Power Red donors, which means they can safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation. Now, more people are able to give a Power Red donation – the minimum height has changed to 5’3” for female donors.

Medical traumas can quickly deplete hospital blood banks. Once patients are stabilized and their blood type is determined, they will receive a matching blood type, so it’s important donors of all types give now and help save lives by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities May 3 - May 17

Arlington
5/11/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Iglesia CAFÉ, 2200 E. Park Row Dr., Arlington, 76010

Corsicana
5/4/2023: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Corsicana Community, 2308 Bowie Dr., Corsicana, 75110

Dallas
5/13/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., American Red Cross, 2055 Kendall Dr., Dallas, 75235

5/15/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., American Red Cross, 2055 Kendall Dr., Dallas, 75235

5/16/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Branch Church, 3035 Valley View Ln., Dallas, 75234

5/17/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., United Methodist Church - Lovers Ln., 9200 Inwood Rd., Dallas, 75220

Ennis
5/10/2023: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1300 Country Club Rd., Ennis, 75119

Flower Mound
5/15/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Flower Mound Senior Center, 2701 W Windsor Dr., Flower Mound, 75028

Forney
5/6/2023: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Church of Latter-Day Saints, 8200 FM741, Forney, 75126

Frisco
5/8/2023: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Frisco Community, 2880 Dallas Pkwy., Frisco, 75034

Irving
5/12/2023: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Irving City Hall, 801 West Irving Blvd., Irving, 75061

Plano
5/5/2023: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Tom Muehlenbeck Rec Center, 5801 W. Parker Rd., Plano, 75093

5/9/2023: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Campus at Legacy, 5340 Legacy Dr., Plano, 75024

Blood Donation Centers
One of the easiest ways to give is to schedule an appointment at a blood donation center. There are two Red Cross blood and platelet donation centers in the North Texas Region. They are in Irving and Plano.

Irving Blood and Platelet Donation Center
2511 West Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway

Monday - Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Thursday: Closed

Friday - Sunday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Plano Blood and Platelet Donation Center
741 N US-Central Expressway, Suite 1000

Monday - Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Thursday: Closed

Friday - Sunday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 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 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/northtexas or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossNTX.