Donate Blood at WCSU in Danbury on September 18 and September 20

Red Cross: Donors urged to give blood, help blood supply match patient diversity

WCSU, located at 181 White Street in Danbury, will host two Blood Drives in September, September 18 and September 20. Both drives will take place from 11 am to 4:30 pm.

The American Red Cross urges people of all races and ethnicities to give blood to help ensure a diverse blood supply for patients in need.

The vast majority of blood types fall into one of the major ABO groups. However, some blood types are unique to certain racial and ethnic groups, so a diverse blood supply is important to meeting the medical needs of an increasingly diverse patient population.

Twelve-year-old Braden Green required blood transfusions to treat complications from sickle cell disease. “It saved his life, that blood transfusion,” said his mom, Brenda Green. “A blood donation can give a patient another chance at life or an opportunity to get through the day.”

Blood given to patients with rare blood types or those who need repeated transfusions for conditions such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia must be matched very closely. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with a similar racial or ethnic background.

All blood types are needed to ensure that the right blood product is available at the right time for all patients. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood or platelets through Sept. 30, 2018, will receive a coupon via email for a free haircut at participating Sport Clips locations. More information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/sport-clips.  

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Fairfield County Sept. 16-30

Bridgeport

9/29/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mcgivney Community Center, 338 Stillman St

Danbury

9/18/2018: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Western CT State University, 181 White Street

9/20/2018: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Western Connecticut State University Westside Campus Center, Westside Campus, Lake Ave.

Fairfield

9/21/2018: 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., YMCA, 841 Old Post Road

Greenwich

9/21/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road

Monroe

9/27/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Masuk High School, 1014 Monroe Turnpike

New Canaan

9/18/2018: 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saint Mark's Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge Road

New Fairfield

9/18/2018: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., New Fairfield Company A Volunteer Fire Department, 302 Ball Pond Road

Norwalk

9/28/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 1 p.m., Merritt Seven/Venture,L.L.C Building 301, 449 Main Ave

Redding

9/23/2018: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road

Shelton

9/24/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Greater Valley Chamber Commerce, 900 Bridgeport Avenue

9/28/2018: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Shelton Community Center, 41 Church Street

Stamford

9/21/2018: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Soundview Plaza, 1266 East main Street

9/29/2018: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., St Cecilia Catholic Church, 1184 Newfield Ave.

Trumbull

9/22/2018: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., St. Stephen's Church, 6948 Main Street

9/26/2018: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Middlebrook Farms of Trumbull, 2750 Reservoir Avenue

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 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.

 

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Submitted by Danbury, CT

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