During National Preparedness Month in September, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a readily available blood supply for emergencies.
Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition such as sickle cell disease, a routine surgery, a traumatic accident or a large-scale emergency, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives. Donors of all blood types are needed.
Donations decline around summer holidays like Labor Day. To thank those who come out to give Sept. 2-6, the Red Cross is providing a branded duffel bag, while supplies last. In addition, everyone who comes to give from Sept. 1-30 can receive a free haircut coupon from Sports Clips.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Marshall County are:
September 2nd at Key Bank in Plymouth from 1 to 5 p.m.
September 6th at Argos Elementary School from 8:30 to 1 p.m. and at the LifePlex in Plymouth from 2 to 7 p.m. On September 7th at the Triton High School from 8:30 to 1:30 and on September 8th at the Culver Union Township Public Library from noon till 5 p.m. Another opportunity will be on September 10th from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. at the Indiana National Guard facility at 1220 West Madison Street in Plymouth.
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to help reduce wait times.
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.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
