Norwalk Hospital To Host American Red Cross Blood Drive
Norwalk Hospital will host an American Red Cross community blood drive to benefit patients in need on Friday, April 20 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 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 about 14,000 pints 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.
For more information, please contact Susan Arnold, Community Relations, Norwalk Hospital 203-852-2250, susan.arnold@wchn.org.
CONTACT:
Amy Forni
Manager, Public Relations
203-739-7478
Andrea Rynn
Director, Public & Government Relations
About Western Connecticut Health Network
Western Connecticut Health Network is the region’s premier, patient-centered healthcare organization serving residents of western Connecticut and adjacent New York. WCHN is anchored by three nationally recognized hospitals, Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, and Norwalk Hospital. We have an integrated network of more than 1,300 employed and community physicians and specialists, 70 Western Connecticut Medical Group medical and sub-specialty practices across 16 communities, and Western Connecticut Home Care. Our nationally renowned Biomedical Research Institute is leading innovative research, especially for cancer and Lyme disease. Many of our advancements have been made possible by generous donors from our community and through the Danbury Hospital & New Milford Hospital Foundation and the Norwalk Hospital Foundation. As an academic institution, we are proud to shape the future of care through our partnership with the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. WCHN employs nearly 6,300 employees including about 1,900 clinical staff. For more information, visit WCHN.org. Share your comments with us at Facebook.com/DanburyHospital, Facebook.com/NewMilfordHospital, and Facebook.com/NorwalkHospital.
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.