NEW JERSEY – The American Red Cross is reminding the public that blood donations made now can help patients the moment they need medical care, especially during National Preparedness Month.
Donors of all blood types are encouraged to give, with an urgent need for type O positive and B negative. Officials noted that lifesaving blood products are an essential part of preparedness for disasters ranging from house fires to hurricanes, flooding and wildfires. Severe weather can disrupt blood collections by causing cancellations and limiting donors’ ability to give. Trauma patients may also require transfusions within minutes of entering an emergency room.
“Those who give now could help someone in dire moments,” the Red Cross said in a statement.
As part of a partnership with PEANUTS, those who donate by Sept. 21 will receive an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs, while supplies last. Thousands of golden tickets hidden in bags nationwide can be redeemed for the full set of shirts. Platelet donors between Sept. 22 and Oct. 5 will also receive a Red Cross x PEANUTS sweatshirt featuring Snoopy as “Joe Cool.”
Additionally, anyone who donates Sept. 22 through Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email.
Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on Alexa devices. Donors must present a blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification at check-in and meet eligibility requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time by using RapidPass®, an online tool to complete pre-donation materials on the day of their donation before arriving at a blood drive.
