Donate Blood During Red Cross Month
Become a hero by giving blood during Red Cross Month
BALTIMORE (February 17, 2015) – During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross reminds eligible blood donors that it doesn’t take a cape or superpowers to be a hero. By donating blood, donors can become a hero for patients in need.
Red Cross Month is dedicated to the everyday heroes who support the Red Cross mission, donate blood, volunteer their time, learn lifesaving skills or make a financial contribution.
The need for blood is constant. And despite cancellations and difficulties imposed by weather, Blood Donation Centers and Mobile blood drives will be operating Friday and throughout the weekend. Blood donors of all types – especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood – and platelet donors are needed.
“Over the next few days we could see cancellations and low show rates at many of our blood drives and donor centers due to the weather,” said Steve Mavica, Communications Manager for the GC&P Region. “When donation rates drop, the community blood supply can diminish quickly, so we need the support of the community to ensure that we collect enough blood over the next few days to meet patient need.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.
The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes in communities across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors with all blood types are needed, particularly those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.
To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit here or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Saint Marys County
3/7/2015, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Station 39, 21685 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park, MD 20653
3/9/2015, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
St. Mary’s Hospital Pavilion-Health Connections, 25500 Point Lookout Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650
3/14/2015, 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
First Saints Community Church, 25550 Point Lookout Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650
3/16/2015, 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 27108 Mt. Zion Church Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659
3/19/2015, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Lexington Park United Methodist Church, 21760 Great Mills Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653
3/20/2015, 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, 43256 Three Notch Rd, Hollywood, MD 20636
3/24/2015, 2:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, 22733 Lawrence Ave, Leonardtown, MD 20650
3/30/2015, 2:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Charlotte Hall Library, 37600 New Market Rd, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
Calvert County
3/1/2015, 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
3/7/2015, 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
St. Paul’s Parish, 25 Church St, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
3/10/2015, 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
American Legion Post 274, 11820 H.G. Truman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657
3/15/2015, 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Trinity United Methodist Church, 90 Church Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Charles County
3/17/2015, 1:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Wawa #568, 4210 Crain Highway, White Plains, MD 20695
3/23/2015, 1:00 PM – 6:30 PM
American Legion Post 82, 6330 Crain Highway, La Plata, MD 20646
3/23/2015, 1:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Waldorf Jaycees, 3090 Crane Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601
