Red Cross in need of donations

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to band together to provide hope and healing to patients fighting cancer by giving blood or platelets. In appreciation, those who come to give Oct. 15- Nov. 11 will receive a $ 5 Amazon. com Gift Card* via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

Donors are asked to make appointments by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting Redcrossblood. org, calling 1- 800- RED CROSS ( 1- 800- 733- 2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Donors of all blood types are urged to help ensure a stable supply for cancer patients and others this fall. To thank those who come to give in October, the Red Cross is also offering a $ 1,000 Amazon. com Gift Card to five lucky winners. * Terms and conditions apply. More information and details are available at Redcrossblood. org/ Unite.

Important COVID- 19 information for donors

The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID- 19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID- 19 symptoms. Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID- 19 survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Auglaize County:

New Knoxville, Oct. 16, noon- 6 p. m., First Church of New Knoxville, 105 St. Marys Street; and

St. Marys, Oct. 20, noon - 5 p. m., Union Hall Local 200, 227 E. South Street