Patients needing blood or platelets rely on committed blood donors

Donation appointments crucial this fall; $10 e-gift card for coming to give Nov. 1-17

American Red Cross Press Release

The American Red Cross is highlighting the ongoing need for blood and platelet donors as festive schedules ramp up this fall. Eligible individuals − especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are encouraged to make a donation just ahead of the holiday season.

Blood supply momentum must remain steady, as the Red Cross has worked this month to recover blood products uncollected due to recent hurricanes. Any disruption in the ability to collect blood can lead to an impact on routine and lifesaving medical care.

The seasons may change, but the need for blood donors stays the same. Give blood or platelets and make a big difference in someone’s life by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross blood donor app.

In thanks, those who come to give by Oct. 31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.

Those who come to give in early November (1-17) will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Erie County

•Amherst

Oct. 24: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., University at Buffalo North Student Union, 50 Lee Road

Oct. 30: 1-6 p.m., Main Transit Fire Department, 6777 Main St.

•Buffalo

Oct. 25: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Mattina Neighborhood Health Center, 300 Niagara St.

Oct. 30: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Rich Products Corp., 1 Robert Rich Way

Oct. 31: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., WNY Chapter, 786 Delaware Ave.

Oct. 31: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., University at Buffalo South Campus, Harriman Hall, 60 Diefendorf Loop

Nov. 6: 1-6 p.m., Kenilworth Fire Department Co. No. 1, 84 Hawthorne Ave.

Nov. 13: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., University at Buffalo South Campus, Harriman Hall, 3435 Main St.

•Grand Island

Nov. 12: 1-6 p.m., Grand Island Firehall, 2275 Baseline Rd

•Kenmore

Oct. 30: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kenmore Mercy Hospital, 2950 Elmwood Ave.

•Tonawanda

Nov. 9: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Church of the Nativity, 1530 Colvin Blvd.

•West Seneca

Nov. 6: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 630 Main St.

•Williamsville

Oct. 26: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Gregory the Great, 100 St. Gregory Court

Niagara County

•Lewiston

Nov. 8: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1, 145 N. Sixth St.

•Lockport

Nov. 12: 1-6 p.m., The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St.

•Wilson

Nov. 13: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wilson High School Library, 374 Lake St.

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.

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.