Red Cross urges blood donations to maintain summer blood supply
The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply now and throughout the summer.
Many summer activities, such as vacations and travel, cause frequent blood donors to be less available to give during the summer. However, hospital patients still depend on volunteer donors to receive lifesaving transfusions – the need for blood does not get a vacation.
To encourage more people to donate around Independence Day, all those who come out to donate blood July 2-6, 2015, will receive a Red Cross embroidered hat, while supplies last.
Eligible donors are encouraged to choose their day to make a difference. Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
| 7/1/2015: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., St Luke United Methodist Church, 1104 2nd Ave. | Columbus |
| 7/1/2015: 1:30 – 6:30 p.m., Columbus Fire Fighters Association, 6655 Lynch Road | Columbus |
| 7/2/2015: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., St Luke United Methodist Church, 1104 2nd Ave. | Columbus |
| 7/2/2015: 12 – 6:45 p.m., Columbus Blood Donation Center, 7490 Veterans Parkway | Columbus |
| 7/2/2015: 1:30 – 6:30 p.m., Columbus Fire Fighters Association, 6655 Lynch Road | Columbus |
| 7/3/2015: 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Columbus Blood Donation Center, 7490 Veterans Parkway | Columbus |
| 7/4/2015: 7:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Columbus Blood Donation Center, 7490 Veterans Parkway | Columbus |
| 7/6/2015: 11 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Columbus Blood Donation Center, 7490 Veterans Parkway | Columbus |
| 7/7/2015: 11 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Columbus Blood Donation Center, 7490 Veterans Parkway | Columbus |
| 7/7/2015: 12:30 – 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 401 Broad St. | Lagrange |
| 7/8/2015: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., West Georgia Technical College, One College Circle | Lagrange |
| 7/9/2015: 12 – 6:45 p.m., Columbus Blood Donation Center, 7490 Veterans Parkway | Columbus |
| 7/10/2015: 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Columbus Blood Donation Center, 7490 Veterans Parkway | Columbus |
| 7/11/2015: 7:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Columbus Blood Donation Center, 7490 Veterans Parkway | Columbus |
| 7/13/2015: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Columbus State University, 4225 University Ave. | Columbus |
| 7/13/2015: 11 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Columbus Blood Donation Center, 7490 Veterans Parkway | Columbus |
| 7/14/2015: 11 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., Columbus Blood Donation Center, 7490 Veterans Parkway | Columbus |
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.
For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
