Red Cross: Make an immediate difference by giving blood or platelets now

The American Red Cross urges all donors to give blood or platelets now to help maintain a strong blood supply this summer. Type O blood products are most in demand on hospital shelves, especially in the face of summer challenges that can quickly deplete blood and platelet reserves.  

In addition to summer fun and holidays, severe summer weather can have a sudden impact on the ability to collect blood and platelets. Scheduling and keeping donation appointments are crucial this month to ensure blood products are constantly available in the weeks to come for all patients, including those in trauma situations that may require several lifesaving transfusions. 

All blood types are needed, and donors who don’t know their blood type can learn it after donation. Book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.  

As a thank-you, all who come to give by July 14 will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can personalize their one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker, included at no extra cost. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.

For those who come to give between July 15 and 31, the Red Cross will show its appreciation with a Fandango Movie Reward by email. Use it to catch a summer blockbuster on the Red Cross! See RedCrossBlood.org/July.

Local upcoming blood donation opportunities in Marshall County, July 7 to 31, are:

July 9^th from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus at 901 East Jefferson Street in Plymouth.

July 17^th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., during the Marshall County Fair at 211 West Walnut Street in Argos.

July 23^rd from 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., at St. Isidore Hall, at 803 West Bike Street in Bremen.

July 24^th from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus, at 901 East Jefferson Street in Plymouth, and on July 30th from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Plymouth Fire Department, at 111 North Center Street in Plymouth.

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, a 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 aged 18 years and younger must also meet specific 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.