Build the blood supply: Give blood or platelets now with Red Cross

Exclusive Tetris + Red Cross T-shirt for coming to give through June 9

Submitted by the American Red Cross

Late May signals the beginning of a busy time for celebrations and summer holidays. The American Red Cross asks donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now before calendars start to fill up. Donors of all blood types – especially those giving type O blood and donors giving platelets – are vital to people counting on blood products for critical medical procedures.

Every single donation can help keep the blood supply as stable as possible during a busy time of year when many regular donors may be unable to give. Book a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross blood donor app.

The Red Cross has teamed up with Tetris, creators of the iconic, best-selling video game, to celebrate their 40th anniversary and build the blood supply for patients in need. In commemoration, all who come to give May 20-June 9 will get an exclusive Tetris + Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to New York to meet Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov. See RedCrossBlood.org/Tetris for details.

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

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

√ June 5: 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

√ June 4: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., East Aurora Moose Lodge 370, 905 Main St.

•Grand Island

√ June 8: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Grand Island Community Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road

•Hamburg

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

√ June 5: 1-6 p.m., Lake Shore Public Library, 4857 Lake Shore Road

√ June 6: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Revive Wesleyan, 4999 McKinley Parkway

•Lackawanna

√ June 4: noon to 5 p.m., VFW Post 898, 2909 South Park Ave.

•Orchard Park

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

•Tonawanda

√ June 1: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Church of the Nativity, 1530 Colvin Blvd.

Niagara County

•Lewiston

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

•Niagara Falls

√ June 7: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino (hotel side), 310 Fourth St.

•North Tonawanda

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

•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.