Donate Blood at Ridgefield Rec Center on November 7 from 1:30 to 6:30 pm
As influenza activity picks up this fall, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well.
Flu shot doesn’t affect blood donation eligibility
One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.
For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy and well on the day of donation.
All blood types needed now
Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are urged to give now to ensure a stable supply this fall. Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Additonal blood donation opportunities in Fairfield County Nov. 1-15:
Bethel
11/1/2019: 7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Bethel High School, 300 Whittlesly Drive
11/8/2019: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Walnut Hill Community Church, 156 Walnut Hill Rd.
Brookfield
11/5/2019: 1 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Raymour & Flanigan, 14 Candlewood Lake Road
Danbury
11/11/2019: 12:15 p.m. - 6 p.m., Ethan Allen Hotel, 21 Lake Avenue Extension
11/12/2019: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Danbury Hospital RSM, 24 Hospital Avenue
Fairfield
11/13/2019: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Fairfield Public School Central Office, 501 Kings Highway
11/5/2019: 11 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Fairfield University Student Center, 1073 North Benson Road
11/6/2019: 11 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road
Monroe
11/9/2019: 7:45 a.m. - 1 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 466 Elm Street
New Canaan
11/5/2019: 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saint Mark's Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge Road
New Fairfield
Newtown
11/5/2019: 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St.
11/5/2019: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St.
Norwalk
11/10/2019: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Congregation Beth El, 109 East Avenue
11/15/2019: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ashley Homestore, 51 Richards Ave
11/15/2019: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Norwalk City Hall, East Avenue
Shelton
11/11/2019: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., OEM Controls, 20 Controls Drive
11/12/2019: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., EDR Shelton, 6 Armstrong Road Suite 401
11/8/2019: 8 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., R.D.Scinto, 2 Corporate Drive
Stamford
11/2/2019: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Holy Spirit Church , 403 Scofieldtown Road
11/9/2019: 7:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., St Cecilia Catholic Church, 1184 Newfield Ave.
Trumbull
11/13/2019: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 White Plains Road
11/2/2019: 7:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Spring Meadows, 6949 Main Street
11/6/2019: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Seaquest, Westfield Mall Trumbull, 5065 Main St
Weston
11/1/2019: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Norfield Church, Norfield Road
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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.