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PARKERSBURG -- Spring is nearing, but February often brings unpredictable winter weather that can cause blood drive cancellations and make it difficult for donors to safely make it to their appointments.
As the American Red Cross continues to monitor seasonal challenges that could impact the blood supply, donors are urged to make and keep appointments to help prevent a shortage in the weeks to come. Donors of all blood types, particularly type O blood donors, the most needed blood group by hospitals, are needed daily to meet demand.
In thanks for helping keep hospital shelves stocked, all who come to give in February will get a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email, thanks to Amazon. Contributors this month also will be automatically entered to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, Fla. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/heart.
Book a time to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
To donate blood, 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.
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
For more information and to apply, contact Katie Thompson at Katie.Thompson@redcross.org or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.