In honor of Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages people to uncover their inner hero and donate blood or platelets, volunteer their time or sign up to organize a blood drive.
Since 1943, every president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people down the street and across the country.
“The everyday heroes are those who donate blood, volunteer, take a lifesaving class, host a blood drive or make a financial contribution to help neighbors here in Illinois and across the nation,” said Greg Novinska, CEO of the Heart of America Blood Services Region. “We thank and honor these everyday heroes who support the Red Cross.”
People also can become everyday heroes by hosting a SleevesUp virtual blood drive or creating a team via the Blood Donor App. SleevesUp provides an easy way for Red Cross supporters to encourage those in their networks to give blood or platelets to honor someone’s life, celebrate a special occasion or simply bring people together to help save lives. Campaigns can be created online at redcrossblood.org/SleevesUp.
The Blood Donor App allows individuals to find a local blood or platelet donation opportunity, schedule appointments and track their donation history. Plus, it lets users create teams and recruit friends and family to roll up a sleeve with them. The Blood Donor App is available for download by texting BLOODAPP to 90999 or by visiting redcrossblood.org/BloodApp.
“It doesn’t take superpowers to be a hero for a patient in need – just a little time,” added Novinska. Blood donors with all blood types, particularly O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give.
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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
