Ridgway Record

Make a positive impact: Give blood with the Red Cross Donors needed to help keep blood supply growing as seasons change

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As spring approaches, the American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to continue to strengthen the national blood supply. People of all blood types – especially those with type O blood – are critical to ensuring hospitals can meet the daily demand for lifesaving transfusio­ns.

During Red Cross Month in March, the Red Cross celebrates the volunteers and blood and platelet donors who are critical to ensuring those in need receive relief and care. Help can’t wait – to book a time to give, visit RedCrossBl­ood. org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. As a thankyou, all who come to give by March 24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus a chance to win one of five $3,000 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBl­ood.org/Pets for details.

Additional­ly, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures to celebrate the epic new film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and to invite donors to rise together and give blood. When donors share their strength by giving March 25-April 7, they’ll get an exclusive Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. © 2024 Legendary and Warner Bros. Entertainm­ent Inc. All Rights Reserved GODZILLA TM & © TOHO CO., Ltd.

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 checkin. 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 predonatio­n 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.

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.

Volunteers can also serve as transporta­tion specialist­s, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more informatio­n and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/ volunteert­oday.

 ?? Graphic submitted ?? When donors share their strength by giving March 25-April 7, they’ll get an exclusive Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Graphic submitted When donors share their strength by giving March 25-April 7, they’ll get an exclusive Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

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