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# Red Cross urgently needs blood donations before summer ends
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/red-cross-urgently-needs-blood-donations-before-summer-ends/
- Published: 2018-08-08T19:00:32.000Z
- Updated: 2024-12-04T14:05:42.000Z
- Author: news
- Tags: Community, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2025-11-06 12:50

As summer winds down, the American Red Cross urges individuals to give blood and platelets now and help end an emergency summer blood shortage that began last month.

A critical need remains as many regular donors delay giving to take final summer vacations and prepare for school to start. To ensure livesaving treatments remain available for patients in the coming weeks, donations are needed now, especially [type O](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163250&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com).

In thanks for helping at this urgent time, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30, 2018, will receive a $5 [Amazon.com](http://amazon.com/?ref=smdp.com) Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see [amazon.com/gc-legal](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163249&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com). More information and details are available at [RedCrossBlood.org/Together](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163248&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com).)

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free [American Red Cross Blood Donor App](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163245&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com), visiting [RedCrossBlood.org](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163244&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com) or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to give again. [Blood](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163247&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com) can be safely given every 56 days, and [Power Red donations](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163246&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com) can be given every 16 weeks.

**How to donate blood**

Simply download the [American Red Cross Blood Donor App](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163245&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com), visit [RedCrossBlood.org](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163244&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com) or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163243&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com). 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](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163242&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com) or use the Blood Donor App.

**Volunteers needed**

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit [rdcrss.org/driver](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163241&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com).

**About the American Red Cross**

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit [RedCross.org](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163240&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com) or [CruzRojaAmericana.org](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163239&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com), or visit us on Twitter at [@RedCross](http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8035%400-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&RE=MC&RI=4134614&Preview=False&DistributionActionID=163238&Action=Follow+Link&ref=smdp.com).

**Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 16-31**

Santa Monica

8/20/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St

8/21/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Community Center, 2500 Broadway

8/24/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Viceroy, 1819 Ocean Ave

8/27/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter, 1450 11th St

Venice

8/19/2018: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., St Mark Catholic Church, 2475 Lincoln Blvd

Submitted by Christine Welch, American Red Cross