Make a Positive Impact: Give Blood with the Red Cross

WATERTOWN – 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 thank-you, 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.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 11-31

Franklin

Malone

3/20/2024: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Mo’s Pub & Grill, 3357 State Route 11

Saint Lawrence

Canton

3/27/2024: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Canton, 5955 US-11

Massena

3/13/2024: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Massena Moose Lodge #1110, 4 Ames St

North Lawrence

3/16/2024: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Lawrence Christian Fellowship, 88 County Route 52

Potsdam

3/15/2024: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., SUNY Potsdam, 44 Pierrepont Ave

3/18/2024: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., New Hope Community Church, 33 Grant Street

3/19/2024: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Potsdam High School, 29 Leroy St

Winthrop

3/29/2024: 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Winthrop American Legion Post 514, 675 State Highway 11C

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 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation 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.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!

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, contact Volunteer Services, Eastern New York Region, at [email protected] or 518-387-9441 or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.