The American Red Cross is counting on volunteer donors to give blood and help ensure patient needs can be met this summer.
Around Memorial Day, the Red Cross sees a steep decline in blood donations. Busy summer schedules, vacations and school breaks also cause a drop in donations. Accidents and medical emergencies don’t take a summer break — patients need blood every minute, every day.
Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Blood donations opportunities over the next few weeks include:
• Emporium, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 14, Vets Club, 427 E. 3rd St.
• Johnsonburg, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15, Johnsonburg Senior Center, 430 Center St.
• Ridgway, from noon to 5 p.m. June 15, St Leo’s Church, 111 Depot St.
• St. Marys, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 13, Moose Club Lodge, 30 Erie Ave.
• Bradford, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. June 1, Family Video, 102 W. Washington St.
• Eldred, from 1 to 6 p.m. June 7, First Church of God, 142 Main St.
• Kane, from noon to 6 p.m. June 4, First United Methodist Church, 112 Greeves St.
• Lewis Run, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 29, Keystone Powdered Metal Co., 8 Hanley Drive
• Smethport, from noon to 5:30 p.m. June 11, Smethport Fire Hall, 109 S. Nelson St.
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 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.
In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets now through June 10 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. Additionally, those who come to give May 25-29 will receive an exclusive Red Cross branded T-shirt, while supplies last.
