Red Cross encourages adding ‘give blood’ to holiday checklist
As freezing temperatures and harsh weather grip much of the nation, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to help meet the constant need for blood this winter.
Millions of people are expected to take to the roads, rail and air to celebrate the season, which can cause fewer donors to be available and lead to a decline in blood and platelet donations. In addition, severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can temporarily prevent some from giving. Donors with all blood types are needed now to help patients. As a special thank you for taking the time to donate, those who come out to give Dec. 22 through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
“Many of us celebrate this time of year with loved ones, but patients may spend the holidays and ring in the new year from a hospital room,” said Alyson Barraza of the Red Cross Connecticut Blood Services Region. “Blood and platelet donors can bring joy to patients and their families by giving blood or platelets to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving treatments they need.”
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Fairfield County
Bethel
1/6/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Walnut Hill Community Church, 156 Walnut Hill Rd.
Brookfield
12/28/2016: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., On Track Karting, 100 Silvermine Road
12/30/2016: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Raymour & Flanigan, 14 Candlewood Lake Road
Brookfield Center
12/27/2016: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., First Assembly of God Church, 133 Junction Rd.
Danbury
1/9/2017: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Danbury Hospital RSM, Hospital Avenue
12/22/2016: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Danbury Hospital RSM, Hospital Avenue
12/24/2016: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 18 Clapboard Ridge Rd.
12/28/2016: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ethan Allen Hotel, 21 Lake Avenue Extension
East Norwalk
1/11/2017: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., East Norwalk Library, 51 Van Zant Street
Fairfield
1/6/2017: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., YMCA, 841 Old Post Road
1/9/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Thomas Braun Orthodontics, 427 Stillson Road Suite 12
12/31/2016: 8 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., Trinity St. Michael's Church, 554 Tunxis Hill Road
Greenwich
1/9/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Avenue
Monroe
1/7/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., I.B.E.W. Local 488, 721 Main Street
Newtown
1/10/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St.
1/10/2017: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St.
Ridgefield
1/5/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Ridgefield Park & Recreation Center, 195 Danbury Rd.
Shelton
1/13/2017: 8 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., R.D. Scinto Towers, 2 Corporate Drive
1/3/2017: 8 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., R.D. Scinto Towers, 2 Corporate Drive
12/30/2016: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., R.D. Scinto Towers, 2 Corporate Drive
Sherman
1/14/2017: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Sherman Volunteer Fire Department, 1 CT 39
Stamford
12/24/2016: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court
12/31/2016: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court
Trumbull
1/6/2017: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main Street
12/30/2016: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Theresa Parish, 5301 Main Street
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 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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.