People wanting to make a lifesaving difference in Washington now have the chance to donate blood and platelets at two newly renovated American Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Centers, in Seattle and Kennewick.
In June, the Seattle donation center began collecting blood and platelet donations for patients, followed by the Kennewick opening in September. Each site will play a role in supporting patients who battle cancer, accident victims, transplant recipients and those living with sickle cell disease.
These facilities represent important investments in community health at a critical moment in history. Our country is on the precipice of a major health challenge – with the need for blood products growing -- while the severity and frequency of natural disasters challenge our ability to access and collect blood.
It’s possible you or someone you know has been touched by the need for blood products. Having a readily available blood and platelet supply is vital for patients whose survival depends on transfusions. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets at the, donors can feel good knowing that they may be helping patients not only in their community, but also their family and friends across the nation.
Individuals can schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
About platelet donation Platelets are the clotting portion of blood and are needed for many reasons, but they are primarily given to cancer patients. These tiny cells have a very short shelf life – just five days from the time they are donated – so there is a constant, often critical, need for new and current donors to give to keep up with hospital demand for platelets.
In just a couple of hours, platelet donors can help patients kick cancer. During a platelet donation, blood is collected by a machine that separates platelets from whole blood and returns the remaining blood components back to the donor.
Check out this quick video that explains the entire process in under two minutes! https://youtu.be/BwjwbxbwN34
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
