Celebrate World Red Cross Day by giving blood

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood and help save lives in honor of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.

Each year, the local and global impact of the Red Cross mission is celebrated on May 8, the birthday of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement founder Henry Dunant.

Currently, donors of all blood types are needed to give and help save hospital patients’ lives. Every day, the Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients across the country.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Elkton
5/5/2016: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., East Rockingham High School, 250 Eagle Rock Road

McGaheysville
5/12/2016: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Massanutten Resort/Woodstone Building, 1822 Resort Dr

 

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.