PITTSBURGH — The American Red Cross is calling for blood and platelet donations to help keep the national blood supply stable through the fall. The organization is asking donors of all blood types to schedule appointments to support hospital patients in need of transfusions.
The donation drive comes during October, a weather shoulder season between summer and winter that can bring unpredictable conditions. According to the Red Cross, a stable blood supply ensures blood products can be moved wherever and whenever needed, including in response to natural disasters.
The Red Cross is offering promotional rewards for donors during the fall. People who give blood or platelets between Sept. 21 and Oct. 18 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.
Donors who give between Oct. 19 and Nov. 22 will receive up to $20 in gift cards, which includes a $10 Amazon gift card by email and 500 bonus points redeemable for a $10 e-gift card through the Blood Donor Rewards program.
Eligibility requirements for blood donation include being in generally good health, weighing at least 110 pounds and being at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent where allowed by state law.
High school students and donors ages 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements. At check-in, donors are required to present a blood donor card, a driver’s license or two other forms of identification.
Donation appointments can be made through the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Blood Donor Skill on Alexa Echo devices.
Donors can also use the organization’s RapidPass system to complete pre-donation reading and health history questionnaires online on the day of their appointment before arriving at the blood drive.
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