Red Cross: Take steps now to support a strong blood supply

Make an appointment to give blood or platelets to offset seasonal drop in donor turnout

Submitted by the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross asks donors to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets to support patients counting on a consistent blood supply to survive and heal. While emergencies often grab headlines, the need for blood is constant – especially in October, as donation appointments can often drop quickly when people settle into busy fall routines and make plans around upcoming school breaks.

Additionally, the threat of hurricanes persists this month. Because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in the ability to collect lifesaving blood can have serious consequences for those seeking medical care.

Prepare now: Help patients this fall and make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross blood donor app. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Sept. 22-Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email. For details, see RedCrossBlood.org/Fall. Those who give Oct. 20-Nov. 16 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities (Oct. 16-31):

Erie County

•Amherst

Oct. 23: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., University at Buffalo North Student Union, 50 Lee Road

•Buffalo

Oct. 17: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mercy Hospital, 565 Abbott Road

Oct. 21: 1-6 p.m., Amherst Center for Senior Services, 370 John James Audubon Parkway

Oct. 25: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., McKinley Mall, 3701 McKinley Parkway

Oct. 29: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Rich Products Corp., 1 Robert Rich Way

Oct. 30: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., WNY Chapter, 786 Delaware Ave.

•Elma

Oct. 30: 1-6 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 1230 Bowen Road

•Hamburg

Oct. 20: 1:30-6 p.m., Hamburg United Methodist Church, 116 Union St.

•Holland

Oct. 31: 12:30-5 p.m., St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 46 N. Main St.

•Kenmore

Oct. 29: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kenmore Mercy Hospital, 2950 Elmwood Ave.

•Williamsville

Oct. 16: 1-6 p.m., Congregation Shir Shalom, 4660 Sheridan Drive

Oct. 25: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Gregory the Great, 100 St. Gregory Court

Niagara County

•Lewiston

Oct. 28: 1-6 p.m., Sisters of St Francis, 4421 Lower River Road

•Lockport

Oct. 22: 1-6 p.m., South Lockport Fire Co. Inc. firehall, 5666 Transit Road

•North Tonawanda

Oct. 28: 1-6 p.m., Adams Fire Co. No. 1, 7113 Nash 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.

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.