Protect the blood supply by donating this fall; volunteers also needed
The American Red Cross urges blood donors of all types and those who have never given before to book a time to give blood or platelets now and help keep the blood supply from dropping ahead of the holidays.
People of all blood types are needed, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood – blood products that are critical to keeping hospitals ready to help patients depending on transfusions in the weeks ahead.
Book now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you for taking the time to give this fall, all who come to give Nov.1-22 will receive a $10 e-gift card by email to a merchant of choice. Details are available at rcblood.org/perks.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 1-15:
Summit Blood Donation Center, 501 W. Market St., Akron - Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.; and Tuesdays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
SUMMIT COUNTY
Akron
Nov. 3: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Akron Children’s Hospital, 215 West Bowery S.
Nov. 4: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Harold K Stubbs Municipal Bldg Akron Police Dept., 217 High St.
Nov. 8: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., University of Akron, 303 East Carroll St.
Nov. 10: 1 - 6:30 p.m., Bath United Church of Christ, 3980 Bath Road
Nov. 11: 1 - 7 p.m., St Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 West Market St.
Macedonia
Nov. 3: Noon - 6 p.m., Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 9080 Shepard Road
Northfield
Nov. 15: Noon - 6 p.m., VFW Post 6768, 8584 Olde Eight Road
Peninsula
Nov. 8: noon - 6 p.m., Woodridge Middle School, 4451 Quick Road
Stow
Nov. 1: 1 - 7 p.m., Holy Family Parish, 3450 Sycamore Drive
Nov. 2: 1 - 7 p.m., Stow Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Road
Twinsburg
Nov. 15: Noon - 6 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church, 10285 Ravenna Road
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.
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.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for a either position, contact the Northern Ohio Volunteer Services team at 216-431-3328 or NEOvolunteer@redcross.org or visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Protect the blood supply by donating this fall; volunteers also needed
