(File Photo of the American Red Cross)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) As Memorial Day approaches, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to schedule blood and platelet donation appointments to help hospitals maintain adequate supplies during the busy summer travel season.
The organization said having blood products readily available is especially important as millions of Americans travel and participate in outdoor activities over the holiday weekend.
With increased travel and recreation, including boating, swimming and camping, the risk of serious accidents can rise. The Red Cross said blood and platelet donations help hospitals respond to traumatic injuries and other medical emergencies requiring transfusions.
During Trauma Awareness Month, the organization is encouraging donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to support patients in need.
According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, here is some more information about how to donate blood:
Book your time to give lifesaving blood or platelets now — To schedule, visit RedCrossBlood.org by clicking here, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Those who come to give by May 31, 2026, will receive an oversized Red Cross beach towel, which you can find out more about by clicking here, while supplies last.
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.