The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Red Cross schedules blood drives in area
The American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need.
In 2018, severe winter weather has already forced about 600 blood drives to cancel, resulting in more than 17,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations, according to a release. And, widespread flu across the U.S. has resulted in lower turnout at blood drives.
Blood and platelet donations are needed in the coming days to help replenish the blood supply and ensure patients continue to receive lifesaving treatments, the Red Cross said in the release.
Donors can help even more patients when they invite a loved one, friend or co-worker to give with them.
Make an appointment to donate this winter by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Litchfield County
Canaan, Feb. 27, 1-6 p.m, St. Joseph's Parish Center, 2 Daisy Hill Road
Kent, Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Kent School, 23 North Main St.
New Milford, Feb. 26, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Canterbury School, Aspetuck Avenue
Watertown, Feb. 20, 1:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., First Congregational Church, 40 DeForrest St.
Winsted, Feb. 22, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Park Place East/ Route 8
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients, according to the release. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
People 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, the Red Cross said. To get started, follow the instructions at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.