Donors needed now to prevent a seasonal blood shortage

Submitted by the American Red Cross

Did you know about 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood? But, only about 3% does. By making an appointment to help save lives with the American Red Cross in August, donors can pump up the blood supply and keep it from falling to shortage levels. Platelet donors are especially needed now.

As a thank-you, all who come to give Aug. 1-31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. Everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Donors can schedule an appointment to give using the Red Cross blood donor app, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/fuel for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Erie County

•Amherst

Aug. 10: noon to 6 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive

Aug. 17: noon to 6 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive

Aug. 24: noon to 6 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive

Aug. 25: 1-6 p.m., Main Transit Fire Department, 6777 Main St.

Aug. 31: noon to 6 p.m., Boulevard Mall, 730 Alberta Drive

•Buffalo

Aug. 17: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., WNY Chapter, 786 Delaware Ave.

Aug. 19: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mercy Hospital, 565 Abbott Road

Aug. 22: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Rich Products Corp., 1 Robert Rich Way

Aug. 22: 1-6 p.m., William-Emslie Family YMCA, 585 William St.

Aug. 24: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., New York State Department of Transportation, 100 Seneca St.

Aug. 24: noon to 5 p.m., Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square

Aug. 29: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., University at Buffalo North Student Union

Aug. 30: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Buffalo State College-Campbell Student Union, 1300 Elmwood Ave.

Aug. 31: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Seneca One, 1 Seneca St.

•Clarence

Aug. 26: 12:45-4 p.m., Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place

•Getzville

Aug. 30: 1-6 p.m., St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, Father Weber Center, 1700 N. French Road

•Grand Island

Aug. 16: 1-6 p.m., Grand Island Knights of Columbus, 1841 Whitehaven Road

•Hamburg

Aug. 11: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Revive Wesleyan, 4999 McKinley Parkway

Aug. 16: 1-6 p.m., VFW Post 1419, 2985 Lakeview Road

Aug. 31: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Hamburg Public Library, 102 Buffalo St.

•Orchard Park

Aug. 26: noon to 6 p.m., St. Bernadette’s Roman Catholic Church, 5930 S. Abbott Road

•Springville

Aug. 17: 1-7 p.m., Concord Senior Center, 40 Commerce Drive

•Tonawanda

Aug. 12: 1-6 p.m., Frontiersman VFW Post 7545, 110 Elgin St.

•West Seneca

Aug. 23: 1-6 p.m., Union Fire Co., 1845 Union Road

•Williamsville

Aug. 13: 7 a.m. to noon, St Gregory the Great-Ministry Center, 100 St. Gregory Court

Niagara County

•Lockport

Aug. 9: 1-6 p.m., The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St.

Aug. 15: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St.

Aug. 23: 1-6 p.m., The Dale Association Inc., 33 Ontario St.

•Middleport

Aug. 22: 1-6 p.m., Middleport Firehall, 28 Main St.

•Niagara Falls

Aug. 20: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Elks Lodge No. 346, 7710 Buffalo Ave.

Aug. 23: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pinnacle Community Services, 1522 Main St.

Aug. 27: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA, 1900 Military Road

•North Tonawanda

Aug. 24: noon to 5 p.m., Gratwick Fire House Co. No. 6, 110 Ward Road

Blood Drive Safety

The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.

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. For more information or to apply, contact [email protected], call 716-886-7500, or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

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 on Twitter at @RedCross.