During National Volunteer Month in April, the American Red Cross asks donors to help protect the blood supply by making and keeping blood or platelet donation appointments in the weeks ahead.
Donors of all blood types — especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets — are needed now to keep the blood supply strong enough to support critical patient care this spring.
The Red Cross depends on thousands of volunteer blood donors to collect about 12,000 blood donations every single day. With no substitute for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are essential in transfusion care. Blood drives and donation centers also depend on the generosity and valuable time of those who make it possible for the Red Cross to help people in need.
Spring into action and book a time to give lifesaving blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1 (800) RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app. Those who come to donate through April 28 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered to win a $7,000 gift card. There will be two winners. See RedCrossBlood.org/Spring for more details.
Upcoming blood donation events in Glendale include:
- April 14 — 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Holy Family Catholic Church, 500 S. Louise St.
- April 16 — 1 – 7 p.m., Maple Park Community Center, 820 E. Maple St.
- April 17 — 2 – 8 p.m., Armenian Youth Association of California, 1811 S. Glendale Ave.
- April 21 — 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Glendale Armenian Church of the Nazarene, 411 E. Acacia Ave.
- April 23 — 1 – 7 p.m., Maple Park Community Center, 820 E. Maple St.
HOW TO DONATE BLOOD
After making an appointment through RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1 (800) RED CROSS or the Red Cross Blood Donor app, donors should arrive to their appointment with a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification, which 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. 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 or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
First published in the April 13 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
