NEW JERSEY — The American Red Cross is urging residents to donate blood or platelets this month to help stabilize the national blood supply following a recent shortage.
Officials say donations from people of all blood types are needed to help maintain a steady supply of blood for patients as the country heads into the spring season, when severe weather can disrupt blood drives and donations.
The organization is encouraging donors to schedule appointments now to help avoid potential shortages that could affect patient care.
The Red Cross is also offering additional incentives for donors throughout March. Individuals who successfully donate blood, platelets or plasma between March 1 and March 31 will receive free A1C testing, which can provide insight into blood sugar levels. Donors who come to give during the month will also receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email.
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), using the Red Cross Blood Donor App or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on an Alexa-enabled device.
People who are generally in good health and meet eligibility requirements may donate blood. Donors must typically be at least 17 years old in most states, or 16 with parental consent where permitted, weigh at least 110 pounds and present a blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification at check-in.
The Red Cross also encourages donors to save time at blood drives by completing the RapidPass pre-donation health questionnaire online the day of their appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.
Officials say a single blood donation can help save multiple lives and is an important way for community members to support patients who depend on lifesaving transfusions.
