Red Cross Urges Blood Donations To Maintain Summer Blood Supply

Last updated on Wednesday, July 8, 2015

(UNDATED) - The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply now and throughout the summer.

Many summer activities, such as vacations and travel, cause frequent blood donors to be less available to give during the summer. However, hospital patients still depend on volunteer donors to receive lifesaving transfusions - the need for blood does not get a vacation.

To encourage more people to donate around Independence Day, all those who come out to donate blood July 2-6, 2015, will receive a Red Cross embroidered hat, while supplies last.

Eligible donors are encouraged to choose their day to make a difference. Donors of all blood types - especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative - are needed. 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).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Bedford

7/13/2015: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Hillcrest Christian Church, 1130 Hillcrest Road

Bloomington

Today 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
7/9/2015: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
7/10/2015: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.
7/15/2015: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ivy Tech Community College, 200 Daniels Way
7/15/2015: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bloomington Blood Donation Center, 1600 W. 3rd St.

Bloomfield

Today: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Cincinnati Christian Church, 11432 SR 54 East

Columbus

7/9/2015: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Cummins Plant # 1, 500 Central Ave.
7/10/2015: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Columbus Blood Donation Center, 931 Repp Drive
7/11/2015: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., First Lutheran Church, 3600 25th St.

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.

About the American Red Cross

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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