(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Governor Josh Shapiro made an official proclamation in Harrisburg and proclaimed September 4th, 2026 as Blood Donation Day in Pennsylvania.

The American Red Cross is urging people to not wait to give blood to people that need them.

The proclamation also honors donors of blood and it calls on Pennsylvanians to support blood drives in their respective communities.

The date of September 4th falls inside National Blood Donation Week, which is observed September 1st through 7th.

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

How to donate blood

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. A blood donor card, 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.