The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania urges donors to give blood, platelets or plasma during the 2025 fall season

(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Fall has officially begun, and the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is urging donors to give blood, platelets or plasma during the 2025 fall season. The blood types that are needed the most are B negative and O positive, but people are encouraged to give any type of blood. This helps for victims of car accidents, those living with cancer or sickle cell disease and all patients that rely on critical transfusions get their necessary care. If you give blood, platelets or plasma from today until October 19th, 2025, you will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. You can visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for more information about this giveaway. According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, here is some more information about donating blood and making an appointment with the American Red Cross.

How to donate blood and make an appointment

  • You can make an appointment to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
  • 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.