Norwalk Hospital will host an American Red Cross community blood drive to benefit patients in need on Friday, August 30 from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Norwalk Hospital in the Patio Room on the 5th floor.
Because the need for blood remains constant, the Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to help keep supplies available so they are ready for all patients when they need them the most.
The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 donations of blood every day to meet the needs of patients across the US, but only about 3 percent of the population donates blood each year. That is why it is so important for generous donors to roll up their sleeves and give a life-saving gift.
The Red Cross recommends drinking plenty of fluids on the day of donation, wearing comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up, eating iron-rich foods in the weeks prior to donation, and bringing a list of any medications taken along with a photo ID or blood donor card.
The actual donation only takes about 10–12 minutes, but donors should allow one hour for registration, a confidential health history session, and refreshments after their donation.
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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 Norwalk Hospital
Norwalk Hospital recently earned an America’s Best Hospitals Award for Superior Clinical Outcomes from Healthgrades, which means Norwalk Hospital is one of the top 250 hospitals in the United States. Norwalk Hospital also earned America’s Best Hospitals recognitions for excellence in pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and stroke care. Norwalk Hospital is part of Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN). WCHN and Health Quest have combined to form a new nonprofit health system. The name for the new health system will be Nuvance Health (pronounced NEW-vance). To learn more about Nuvance Health, visit our website.
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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.