The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help their communities prepare for emergencies by giving blood during National Preparedness Month this September.
Becoming a regular blood donor is one way to help ensure communities are prepared for any emergency, including those where blood transfusions are needed. The Red Cross also encourages the public to get prepared by making a disaster plan for their homes or work places.
A sufficient blood supply is central to ensuring hospitals are prepared to meet patient needs in times of disaster, including the very personal ones that can happen any day.
Because blood takes about 48 hours to be tested, processed and made available for patients, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can help save the day when emergencies occur.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for patients needing transfusions. The Red Cross needs blood donors of all types – especially those with types AB, O negative, B negative and A negative – to give blood regularly.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
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