(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross is asking people to book a time to give blood or platelets to help keep the blood supply as strong as possible this fall.

There is a constant need for blood and donors of all blood types are needed.

Those who come to give from September 21st-October 18th, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Anyone who comes to give from October 19th-November 22nd will receive up to $20 in Gift Cards, which is an $10 Amazon Gift Card by email and 500 bonus points that can be redeemed for a $10 e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards.

According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, here are some ways to donate blood:

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org (click 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 (click here) or use the Blood Donor App.