Trauma cases can rise around summer holidays, help save lives by giving blood or platelets now

Emergencies don’t take a holiday. As we approach Memorial Day weekend, the American Red Cross urges donors to prioritize the blood supply and help save lives by making an appointment to give blood or platelets.

Immediate access to blood products is essential for summer safety. With millions of Americans expected to travel around Memorial Day and participate in water sports, boating, camping, and other outdoor activities, the risk of accidents increases. Although it can be a hectic time, scheduling and maintaining blood donation appointments remain vital priorities in May during Trauma Awareness Month.

Type O blood donors and those donating platelets are essential right now to meet hospitals' needs. Volunteer blood donors can be the light in a patient’s recovery, particularly for accident victims who may require hundreds of blood units through transfusions.

Shine a light on saving lives. Schedule a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who come to give by May 31, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross solar lantern, while supplies last. Plus, all who come to give in May will be automatically entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of their choice for two. Full details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/May.

Those who come to give June 1-30, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email and will be automatically entered to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. Terms apply. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/June.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Marshall County are:

Thursday, May 22^nd at the Knights of Columbus at 901 East Jefferson Street in Plymouth, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 28^th at Saint Isidore Hall at 803 West Bike Street in Bremen from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 5^th at the Argos United Methodist Church at 540 North Michigan Street in Argos from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and

Thursday, June 12^th at the Knights of Columbus at 901 East Jefferson Street in Plymouth from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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.