As spring travel accelerates and hospitals brace for seasonal shortages, the American Red Cross is calling on donors to make blood and platelet contributions a priority during National Volunteer Month.
In a national appeal issued Thursday, the organization emphasized an urgent need for Type O blood and platelets—both essential for trauma care and cancer treatments. With more than 12,000 blood and 3,000 platelet donations required daily to meet patient needs, officials say a consistent donor base is critical.
To encourage participation, the Red Cross is offering donors a limited-edition T-shirt through April 30, while supplies last. All participants during this period will also be entered into a drawing for one of three $5,000 cash prizes.
The incentives continue into May: from May 1–18, donors will receive a $20 e-gift card, and throughout the month, they’ll have a chance to win a trip for two to a U.S. destination of their choice.
Appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or through the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
While a list of upcoming local donation events is expected soon, the Red Cross urges individuals across the country to find the nearest opportunity and help maintain the fragile supply of lifesaving blood products.
Delhi April 24, 1. - 5:30 p.m., Delhi Alliance Church, 16178 NY 28
Sidney April 22, 1 - 6 p.m., Sidney Elks Lodge, 104 River St
South Kortright May 1, 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., South Kortright Central School, 58200 State Highway 10
Walton April 30, 1 - 5:30 p.m., Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 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 Blood Donor App.
