Make a positive impact: Give blood with the Red Cross

Donors needed to help keep blood supply growing as seasons change

Submitted by the American Red Cross

As spring approaches, the American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to continue to strengthen the national blood supply. People of all blood types – especially those with type O blood – are critical to ensuring hospitals can meet the daily demand for lifesaving transfusions.

During Red Cross Month in March, the Red Cross celebrates the volunteers and blood and platelet donors who are critical to ensuring those in need receive relief and care. Help can’t wait – to book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross blood donor app, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

As a thank you, all who come to give by March 24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus a chance to win one of five $3,000 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Pets for details.

Additionally, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures to celebrate the epic new film, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” and to invite donors to rise together and give blood. When donors share their strength by giving between March 25 and April 7, they’ll get an exclusive “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” and Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities (March 11-31):

Erie County

•Buffalo

• March 13: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., WNY Chapter, 786 Delaware Ave.
• March 13: 12:30-5 p.m., Kenilworth Fire Co. No. 1, 84 Hawthorne Ave.
• March 20: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Kenilworth Fire Co. No. 1, 84 Hawthorne Ave.
• March 27: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Kenilworth Fire Co. No. 1, 84 Hawthorne Ave.
• March 28: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mercy Hospital, 565 Abbott Road
• March 30: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., McKinley Mall, 3701 McKinley Parkway

•Derby

• March 27: noon to 5 p.m., American Legion Newcomb Long Post 928, 7353 Erie Road

•East Aurora

• March 14: noon to 5 p.m., Nativity Lutheran Church, 970 E. Main St.

•Grand Island

• March 19: noon to 5 p.m., Grand Island Firehall, 2275 Baseline Road

•Hamburg

• March 23: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., All Saints Lutheran Church, 6065 South Park Ave.
• March 25: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Hamburg Public Library, 102 Buffalo St.

•Lancaster

• March 12: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Lancaster Elks Lodge, 33 Legion Parkway

•North Collins

• March 21: 12:30-6:30 p.m., North Collins Senior Center, 11065 Gowanda State Road

•Orchard Park

• March 13: 2-7 p.m., Orchard Park Community Activity Center, 4520 California Road
• March 29: noon to 5:30 p.m., Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, S3148 Abbott Road.

•Springville

• March 20: 1-7 p.m., Concord Senior Center, 40 Commerce Drive

•Tonawanda

• March 21: 1-6 p.m., Tonawanda Fire Department Firehall, 44 William St.

Niagara County:

•Lewiston

• March 22: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1, 145 N. Sixth St.

•Lockport

• March 12: 1-6 p.m., The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St.
• March 18: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lockport Family YMCA, 5833 Snyder Drive

•Niagara Falls

• March 26: 1-6 p.m., Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA, 1900 Military Road

•North Tonawanda

• March 20: noon to 5 p.m., Gratwick Fire Hose Co. No. 6, 110 Ward Road

•Youngstown

• March 26: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Youngstown Firehall, 625 Third St.

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.

Amplify Your Impact − Volunteer!

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

More About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit on Twitter at @RedCross.