Red Cross: Keep blood supply ready - give blood or platelets this fall

Steady appointments needed in coming weeks

√ Those who come to give can receive $15 e-gift card through Oct. 18

Submitted by the American Red Cross

The need for blood is constant, and the American Red Cross urges people of all blood types to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to help ensure patients continue to receive the care they depend on. The Red Cross supplies hospitals across the country with more than 6.5 million blood products each year, all made possible through the generosity of volunteer donors. Now is the time to step into the fall season with a lifesaving act.

September is National Preparedness Month – an important time to remember that disasters can happen without warning, but preparedness begins today. A strong blood supply is essential in response to every type of disaster, whether it be home fires or natural disasters.

Book a spot to give blood or platelets now. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross blood donor app to schedule a donation appointment. Those who come to give Sept. 21-Oct. 18 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details. Additionally, those who come to give Sept. 21-30 at Red Cross blood donation centers and mention the word “pickleball” to Red Cross staff or volunteers on-site can score a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball (limited quantities available). Visit RedCrossBlood.org/FindADonationCenter for more information.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 22-Oct. 6:

Erie County

•Akron

Oct. 1: 1:30-6 p.m., American Legion LL Tillman Post 900, 9 Eckerson Ave.

•Amherst

Sept. 24: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., University at Buffalo Broadview Arena, 80 Coventry Road

•Buffalo

Sept. 26: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Resource Council of WNY Inc., 347 E. Ferry St.

Sept. 30: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mercy Hospital, 565 Abbott Road

•East Aurora

Oct. 6: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., East Aurora Moose Lodge 370, 905 Main St.

•Hamburg

Oct. 1: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Revive Wesleyan, 4999 McKinley Parkway

•Tonawanda

Oct. 3: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Church of the Nativity, 1530 Colvin Blvd.

•Genesee

Darien Center

Sept. 29: 1-6 p.m., Darien Firehall, 10537 Alleghany Road

•East Pembroke

Sept. 24: 1-6 p.m., Holy Name of Mary, 2707 Angling Road

•Oakfield

Oct. 5: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Oakfield Alabama High School, 7001 Lewiston Road, Route 63

•Pavilion

Oct. 5: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pavilion Fire Department Recreation Hall, 11302 S. Lake Road

Niagara County

•Lewiston

Oct. 6: 1-6 p.m., Sisters of St Francis, 4421 Lower River Road

•Lockport

Sept. 28: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lockport Family YMCA, 5833 Snyder Drive

•North Tonawanda

Sept. 30: noon to 5 p.m., Gratwick Fire Hose Co. No. 6, 110 Ward Road

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.

More 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, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow on social media.