Blood donations ‘urgently needed’

Blood and platelet donors of all types are needed to replenish supply following a critical summer shortage.

FARMINGTON » Feel good, do good and look good this September by donating blood or platelets with the American Red Cross and get a free haircut coupon from Sport Clips Haircuts. Blood and platelet donors of all blood types, especially type O negative and O positive, are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply following a critical summer blood shortage.

“We are excited to continue the Saving Lives Never Looked So Good campaign and partnership with Sport Clips this September,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services, in a written statement. “We are grateful for Sport Clips showing its support of the Red Cross and saying ‘thank you’ to those helping save lives through blood donations.”

Those who come out to give blood or platelets until Sept. 30 will receive a coupon for a free haircut via email several days after their donation. The coupon is valid through Nov. 11, 2017, at participating Sport Clips locations. Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon.

“Sport Clips is proud to support the blood collection efforts of the Red Cross on a national level,” said Amanda Palm, corporate communications manager of Sport Clips. “There is always a need to maintain the blood supply in our country, and a free haircut is a simple way we can thank donors for their lifesaving donation.”

Donors are urged to make an appointment to donate using the free Blood Donor App, online at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767). The Red Cross and Sport Clips encourage donors to use the hashtag #SavingLivesLooksGood to share their new looks and invite others to give.

Litchfield County blood donation drives:

East Canaan: Sept. 2, 9 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Lone Oak Campsites, 360 Norfolk Rd, P O Box 640

Harwinton: Sept. 2, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Harwinton Town Hall, 100 Bentley Drive

New Hartford: Sept. 5, 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., South End Volunteer Fire, 20 Antolini Road, Route 219 and 202

New Milford: Sept. 12, 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Road

Salisbury: Sept. 15, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Noble Horizons, 17 Cobble Road

Thomaston: Sept. 11, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Our Savior Lutheran Church, 505 South Main Street

Sept. 15, 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Thomaston Savings Bank, Thomaston Savings Bank, 203 Main St

Washington Depot: Sept. 8, 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Washington Depot fire House, 109 Bee Brook Road

Woodbury: Sept. 9, 7:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Woodbury Senior Center, 265 Main Street