During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross invites individuals to become everyday heroes by giving blood.
March has been recognized as Red Cross Month by every U.S. president since 1943. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities, helping to prepare for and bringing help and hope after emergencies.
For more than 30 years, blood donor Sherri Kay has been helping the Red Cross fulfill its lifesaving mission. “Knowing that I help to save lives and make a difference through the Red Cross is one of the most significant things that I do,” she said.
Heroes of all blood types are needed to ensure a sufficient blood supply this spring. The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients.
Those who come to donate now through May 15 can be entered to win four tickets to a Cedar Fair theme park, including Cedar Point and Kings Island. Plus everyone who comes to give will have access to purchase theme park tickets at a discount. Cedar Fair will donate $2 of every ticket sale back to the Red Cross to support its humanitarian mission.
Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Williams County:
Bryan
3/19/2016: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, 903 Center Street
Montpelier
3/25/2016: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Montpelier Hospital, 909 E Snyder Avenue
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.
Blood donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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