Help keep emergency rooms ready by giving blood or platelets

Free haircut coupon by email, chance to win VIP racing experience and more by coming to give now

Submitted by the American Red Cross

When every second counts, blood products can provide lifesaving care. The American Red Cross asks the public to give blood or platelets during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O blood donors and donors giving platelets are especially needed right now:

√ Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations. 

√ Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.

√ Platelets are often needed to help with clotting in cases of massive bleeding. 

It’s the blood already on the shelves that can help save lives in an emergency. Book a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross blood donor app. 

Thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts, all who come to donate through May 31 will get a coupon for a free haircut by email. Plus, those who come to give through May 19 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two and VIP racing experience to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway Labor Day weekend, including entry to the Sport Clips racetrack hospitality tent and a $1,000 gift card. Additionally, those who come to give through May 19 will also get a bonus $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.

For details on all offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Erie County

•Akron

√ May 30: 1:30-6 p.m., American Legion L L Tillman Post 900, 9 Eckerson Ave.

•Buffalo

√ May 8: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Kenilworth Fire Department Co. No. 1, 84 Hawthorne Ave.

√ May 11: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., McKinley Mall, 3701 McKinley Parkway

√ May 14: 2-6 p.m., Ken Ton Elks Lodge No. 1942, 2805 Elmwood Ave.

√ May 15: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., WNY Chapter, 786 Delaware Ave.

√ May 15: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Kenilworth Fire Department Co. No. 1, 84 Hawthorne Ave.

√ May 21: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., William-Emslie Family YMCA, 585 William St.

√ May 22: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Kenilworth Fire Department Co. No. 1, 84 Hawthorne Ave.

•Clarence

√ May 28: 1-6 p.m., Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place

•Derby

√ May 22: noon to 5 p.m., American Legion Newcomb Long Post 928, 7353 Erie Road

•East Aurora

√ May 9: noon to 5 p.m., Nativity Lutheran Church, 970 E. Main St.

•Grand Island

√ May 14: 1-6 p.m., Grand Island Firehall, 2275 Baseline Road

•Hamburg

√ May 20: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Hamburg Public Library, 102 Buffalo St.

√ May 25: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., All Saints Lutheran Church, 6065 South Park Ave.

•Holland

√ May 10: 12:30-5:30 p.m., St Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 46 N. Main St.

•North Collins

√ May 16: 12:30-6:30 p.m., North Collins Senior Center, 11065 Gowanda State Road

•Orchard Park

√ May 29: 2-7 p.m., Orchard Park Community Activity Center, 4520 California Road

•Springville

√ May 15: 1-7 p.m., Concord Senior Center, 40 Commerce Drive

•Tonawanda

√ May 16: 1-6 p.m., Tonawanda Fire Department Firehall, 44 William St.

Genesee County

•Batavia

√ May 14: 1-6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road

√ May 30: 1-6 p.m., Northgate Free Methodist Church, 350 Bank St.

•Darien Center

√ May 7: 1-6 p.m., Darien Fire Hall, 10537 Alleghany Road

Niagara County

•Lewiston

√ May 24: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1, 145 N. Sixth St.

•Lockport

√ May 7: 1-6 p.m., The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St.

√ May 13: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lockport Family YMCA, 5833 Snyder Drive

•North Tonawanda

√ May 22: noon to 5 p.m., Gratwick Fire Hose Co. No. 6, 110 Ward Road

•Wilson

√ May 9: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wilson High School Library, 374 Lake St.

•Youngstown

√ May 28: 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.

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 us on X/Twitter at @RedCross.