(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood and platelets as it works to maintain an adequate blood supply heading into the summer months.
According to the organization, donors of all blood types and platelet donors are needed to help ensure hospitals have access to lifesaving blood products.
As an incentive, individuals who donate blood or platelets between June 1 and June 28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Donors also will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards, the Red Cross said.
According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, here are some links to donate and more information about donating blood:
Take action today. To schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org by clicking here, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
As a thank-you for those who step up to give, all who come to give June 1-28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June by clicking here for details.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org by clicking here, 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 by clicking here or use the Blood Donor App.