NEW JERSEY — The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood and platelets after reporting a significant decline in scheduled donation appointments and an urgent need to maintain a stable blood supply heading into the summer months.
The organization said donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure hospitals have adequate supplies of lifesaving blood products available for patients.
According to the Red Cross, summer often presents challenges for blood collection efforts as vacations, school breaks and other seasonal activities can lead to fewer donation appointments. The start of Atlantic hurricane season on June 1 also raises concerns that severe weather could disrupt blood drives and further impact donations in affected areas.
The Red Cross said maintaining a strong blood supply is critical for patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care and other medical procedures that require blood transfusions.
To encourage donations, the organization is offering incentives throughout June. Individuals who donate blood or platelets through June 28 will receive a $15 electronic gift card to a merchant of their choice and will be automatically entered into a drawing for one of two $7,500 gift cards.
Eligible donors generally must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and meet age requirements. In most states, donors must be at least 17 years old, although some states permit 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent.
Appointments can be scheduled through the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
The Red Cross also encourages donors to use its RapidPass program, which allows participants to complete pre-donation reading materials and health history questionnaires online before arriving at a donation site, helping reduce wait times and streamline the donation process.
