Red Cross seeks blood, platelet donors
As fall approaches, the American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to help end the ongoing critical need for blood and kick off the season with a blood or platelets donation.
The Red Cross needs donors of all blood types to give now and help ensure lifesaving transfusions are on the sidelines for those who rely on them.
“While summer winds down, the Red Cross is concerned that the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the delta variant and a potentially active hurricane season may further challenge the ability to collect and meet hospital demand,” the Red Cross said in a statement.
In recent weeks, the Red Cross said its seen a nearly 10 percent drop in blood donations, a decline the organization attributes both to the pandemic — as blood drives have been canceled — as well as families getting ready to go back to school.
Those who give blood between Sept. 3 and Sept. 7 will receive a 16-ounce campfire mug, the Red Cross said, while supplies last.
The organization is also organizing several blood donation events throughout Fairfield County, check the schedule below.
Greenwich
Sept. 10: 1 to 6 p.m., YMCA of Greenwich, 50 E. Putnam Ave.
Sept. 24: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Greenwich Hospital, 5 Perryridge Road
Stamford
Sept. 4: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Union Baptist Church, 805 Newfield Ave.
Sept. 4: 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 800 Long Ridge Road, 800 Long Ridge Road
Sept. 8: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Stamford Church of Christ, 1264 High Ridge Road
Sept. 10: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., St John’s Episcopal Church, 628 Main St.
Masks are required for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status.
Make a game plan to donate – patients are relying on the kindness of blood and platelet donors for their continued treatment. Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by using 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.