American Red Cross encourages donors to make blood donation a lifelong habit
Leaders Save Lives Program gives students chance to win college scholarship
The American Red Cross reminds eligible donors that it’s never too late – or too early – to make blood donation a lifelong habit.
Many blood donors report making their first blood donation while in high school. High school and college students account for about 20 percent of all blood donations to the Red Cross. Individuals can begin donating at 17 years old, or 16 in some states, and continue to donate as long as they meet eligibility requirements.
Blood donations often decline during the winter holidays when school is not in session. The Red Cross is offering 16- to 24-year-old students currently enrolled in school a way to help overcome this seasonal decline and have a chance to win a college scholarship. Students who sponsor a successful blood drive between Dec. 15, 2014, and Jan. 15, 2015, through the Leaders Save Lives program will be entered to win a college scholarship and will receive a gift card. More information is available at redcrossblood.org/leaderssavelives.
Donors are needed year-round, particularly those with types O negative, A negative and B negative blood. Those who attempt to donate in October will be entered to win a $5,000 Visa gift card, courtesy of Suburban Propane.
To make an appointment to donate blood, eligible donors are encouraged to download the new Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores or text BLOODAPP to 90999 to receive a download link, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Fairfield County
Brookfield
10/18/2014: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Raymour & Flanigan, 14 Candlewood Lake Road
Brookfield Center
10/30/2014: 1:45 p.m. - 7 p.m., Congregational Church of Brookfield, 160 Whisconier Road
Danbury
10/16/2014: 11:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Union Savings Bank, 225 Main Street
10/17/2014: 10:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Danbury Hospital RSM, Hospital Avenue
Easton
10/19/2014: 7:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Covenant Church of Easton, 1 Sport Hill Road
Fairfield
10/20/2014: 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Congregation Beth El, 1200 Fairfield Woods Road
10/27/2014: 11:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Fairfield University Student Center, North Benson Road
10/28/2014: 11:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Fairfield University Student Center, North Benson Road
Newtown
10/23/2014: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Wheels Convenience Store, 151 S. main street
10/30/2014: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Newtown Municipal, 3 Primrose Street
Norwalk
10/16/2014: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., American Red Cross Fairfield County Blood Donation Center, 596 Westport Avenue
10/18/2014: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., American Red Cross Fairfield County Blood Donation Center, 596 Westport Avenue
10/21/2014: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., American Red Cross Fairfield County Blood Donation Center, 596 Westport Avenue
10/23/2014: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., American Red Cross Fairfield County Blood Donation Center, 596 Westport Avenue
10/25/2014: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., American Red Cross Fairfield County Blood Donation Center, 596 Westport Avenue
10/28/2014: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., American Red Cross Fairfield County Blood Donation Center, 596 Westport Avenue
10/30/2014: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., American Red Cross Fairfield County Blood Donation Center, 596 Westport Avenue
10/30/2014: 7:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., CBRE Riverpark, 800 Connecticut Avenue
Ridgefield
10/21/2014: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Ridgefield Park & Recreation Center, 195 Danbury Rd.
Stamford
10/16/2014: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Synapse, 225 High Ridge Road
10/18/2014: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., St Cecilia Catholic Church, 1184 Newfield Ave.
10/20/2014: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Trinity Catholic High School, 926 Newfield Avenue
10/30/2014: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Belltown Fire Department, 8 Dorlen Rd
Stratford
10/18/2014: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., America St. John's #8, 3960 Main Street
10/18/2014: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Our Lady of Peace, 651 Stratford Rd
Trumbull
10/31/2014: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Trumbull YMCA, 20 Trefoil Drive
Wilton
10/25/2014: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Moore PT, 37 Danbury Road
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, 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.