Blood drives scheduled locally for Red Cross Month

The American Red Cross is urging the public to give blood or platelets this March in celebration of Red Cross Month. 

They say that donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring.

The Red Cross has blood donation opportunities in Grays Harbor during the first week of March in Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Montesano, and OCean Shores.

 In a release, the Red Cross states that thousands of patients each day depend on blood donations to help save their lives 

They provided the example of Heath Cornford, a man who spent his first 217 days of life in the hospital. Born in February 2018 with an abnormal narrowing of the heart, Heath has undergone many complex surgeries – including a heart transplant – and required a number of blood transfusions.

 “I can’t tell you how thankful we are for the lifesaving donations that saved our son,” said his mom, Mylinda Cornford. “Blood is something you can donate for free. You can make an impact, save a life and give back to your community.”

 Heath recently celebrated his second birthday and is a thriving, energetic toddler.

The Red Cross says that all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to provide hope and help for patients across the country.

Make an appointment now 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.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 1-15:

County	City	Date	Time	Location
Grays Harbor
	Aberdeen	3/2/2020	10 am – 3 pm	Harbor High School, 300 N Williams
	Aberdeen	3/4/2020	1:30 pm – 6:30 pm	VFW Post 224, 105 E Heron St
	Hoquiam	3/5/2020	1 pm – 6 pm	Elks Lodge Hoquiam, 624 K Stree
	Montesano	3/3/2020	1:30 pm – 7 pm	Calvary Chapel of Montesano, 303 Pioneer Ave W
	Ocean Shores	3/6/2020	9 am – 2 pm	North Beach Senior HS, 336 State Route 115
King
	Newcastle	3/3/2020	1 pm – 6 pm	Avalon Newcastle Commons, 13398 Newcastle Commons Dr
	Seattle	3/4/2020	12:30 pm – 5:30 pm	American Red Cross Seattle Chapter, 1900 25th Ave S
	Seattle	3/9/2020	12 pm – 5 pm	American Red Cross Seattle Chapter, 1900 25th Ave S
	Seattle	3/10/2020	11 am – 4 pm	Campion Dormitory, 901 12th Ave
Lewis
	Centralia	3/11/2020	11 am – 4 pm	Sharon Care Center, 1509 Harrison Ave
	Chehalis	3/12/2020	12:30 pm – 6 pm	LDS – Chehalis Ward, 2195 Jackson Highway
	Chehalis	3/13/2020	1 pm – 6 pm	Westminster Presbyterian Church, 128 NW Prindle Street, PO Box 710
Thurston
	Olympia	3/13/2020	1:30 pm – 6:30 pm	Church of LDS Olympia Stake, 600 Overhulse Road NW

 

 

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.

Volunteers needed

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.