Red Cross: Communities urged to give blood as winter threat continues

$20 Amazon.com gift card by email for those who come to give in February

Submitted by the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to continue to strengthen the national blood supply this month. The public can book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross blood donor app, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. People of all blood types – especially type O blood donors, the most-needed blood group by hospitals – and platelet donors are needed daily to ensure blood products are available for hospitals at a moment’s notice.

As February continues, so does the potential for additional weather systems to disrupt blood drives and the ability to provide critical blood products to hospitals. While thousands of donors have answered the call to donate in recent weeks to combat a significant drop in the blood supply, more donors are needed now to ensure the blood supply remains ready for those in need of lifesaving medical procedures.

Don’t wait − make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross blood donor app, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

In thanks for helping, all who come to give in February will get a $20 Amazon.com gift card by email. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Heart.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Erie County

•Buffalo

Feb. 20: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., University at Buffalo South Campus – Harriman Hall, 60 Diefendorf Loop

Feb. 21: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Kenilworth Fire Department Co. No. 1, 84 Hawthorne Ave.

Feb. 27: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., William-Emslie Family YMCA, 585 William St.

Feb. 28: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Kenilworth Fire Department Co. No. 1, 84 Hawthorne Ave.

•Clarence

Feb. 27: 1-6 p.m., Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place

•Elma

Feb. 22: 2-6 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 1230 Bowen Road

•Grand Island

Feb. 24: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Stephen School, 2080 Baseline Road

•Kenmore

Feb. 28: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kenmore Mercy Hospital, 2950 Elmwood Ave.

•Orchard Park

Feb. 23: 1-6 p.m., St. Bernadette’s Roman Catholic Church, 5930 S. Abbott Road

•Springville

Feb. 21: 1-7 p.m., Concord Senior Center, 40 Commerce Drive

Niagara County

•Lockport

Feb. 28: 1-6 p.m., South Lockport Fire Co., South Lockport Firehall, 5666 Transit Road

•Middleport

Feb. 26: noon to 5 p.m., Middleport Firehall, 28 Main St.

•Niagara Falls

Feb. 16: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, hotel side, 310 Fourth St.

Feb. 17: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 736 Cayuga Drive

•Wilson

Feb. 29: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wilson High School Library, 374 Lake St.

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 or 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 follow us on social media.