NEW JERSEY – With the arrival of fall, the American Red Cross is calling on residents to donate blood or platelets to help strengthen the nation’s blood supply. Donors of all blood types, especially O positive and B negative, are urgently needed.
For many people, seasonal routines change with the cooler weather, but the Red Cross emphasized that donations must remain a priority. Every donation supports patients relying on transfusions, including car accident victims, those with sickle cell disease, and people battling cancer.
“Fall into donating blood or platelets,” the Red Cross said in its announcement. Appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
As an incentive, all who give blood, platelets, or plasma between Sept. 22 and Oct. 19, 2025, will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email.
How to donate
Individuals can schedule donations through the Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org, or the Blood Donor Skill on Alexa Echo devices. Donors must present a blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification at check-in.
Eligible donors include those who are at least 17 years old in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health. High school students and donors 18 and younger must also meet height and weight requirements.
To save time, donors can use RapidPass®, available through RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or the Blood Donor App, to complete pre-donation reading and health history online the day of their appointment.
