Help hope bloom in spring: Give blood or platelets with Red Cross

Come to give by April 12 for an exclusive tee; $15 e-gift card April 13-30

Submitted by the American Red Cross

In April, the American Red Cross asks people to keep patients top of mind by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. The need for blood doesn’t take a spring break, and acting now can ensure blood is available in the coming weeks at medical centers. Regular donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to make days brighter this spring for those in need.

April is National Volunteer Month, and the Red Cross celebrates the kindness of blood donors and those who volunteer their time. There is no substitute for blood – volunteer donors are essential to patient care. Blood program leaders and blood donor ambassadors are the heartbeat of our work at blood donation centers and community blood drives.

Join the celebration of saving lives! Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross blood donor app.

Those who come to give by April 12 will get an exclusive Red Cross x Life is Good T-shirt, while supplies last. See RedCrossBlood.org/LifeIsGood for details. All who come to give April 13-30 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a choice of merchant. See RedCrossBlood.org/Hope for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities April 8-30:

Erie County

•Buffalo

• April 10: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mercy Hospital, Mercy Hospital, 565 Abbott Road
• April 15: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., University at Buffalo South Harriman Hall, 3435 Main St.
• April 17: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., WNY Chapter, 786 Delaware Ave.
• April 18: 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., McKinley Mall, 3701 McKinley Parkway
• April 20: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Amherst Center for Senior Services, 370 John James Audubon Parkway
• April 22: noon to 5:30 p.m., Kenilworth Fire Dept. Co. No. 1, 84 Hawthorne Ave.
• April 23: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., UB School of Pharmacy, 160 Hayes Road
• April 30: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Buffalo State University – Campbell Student Union, 1300 Elmwood Ave.

•Elma

• April 23: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 1230 Bowen Road

•Hamburg

• April 9: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Revive Wesleyan, 4999 McKinley Parkway
• April 24: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hamburg Public Library, 102 Buffalo St.

•Kenmore

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

•Orchard Park

• April 17: 1-6 p.m., St. Bernadettes Roman Catholic Church, 5930 S. Abbott Road

•Snyder

• April 28: noon to 5 p.m., The Park School Rich Activity Center, 4625 Harlem Road

•Springville

• April 15: 1-6 p.m., Concord Senior Center, 40 Commerce Drive

•West Seneca

• April 14: 1-6 p.m., Union Fire Co., 1845 Union Road

•Williamsville

• April 18: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Gregory the Great, 100 St. Gregory Court

Niagara County

•Lockport

• April 14: 1-6 p.m., The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St.
• April 22: 1-6 p.m., South Lockport Fire Co., 5666 S. Transit Road

•Newfane

• April 27: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Newfane Town Hall Community Center, 2737 Main St.

•Niagara Falls

• April 25: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 736 Cayuga Drive

•Niagara University

• April 15: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Niagara University, Gallagher Center, 5795 Lewiston Road

•North Tonawanda

• April 14: 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.

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.