The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April. There are several drives planned in the Brainerd lakes area.
Donating blood is a way to make a profound difference in the lives of patients. Nearly 2.8 million generous people donated blood through the Red Cross last year. The Red Cross salutes these volunteer blood donors who helped fulfill its lifesaving mission and invites others to roll up a sleeve and join them.
Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed this spring.
Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 800-733-2767.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:
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• Noon to 6 p.m. April 3 at Hill City School.
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13 at Affinity Plus Credit Union of Baxter.
• Noon to 6 p.m. April 4 at Lutheran Church in Crosslake.
• Noon to 6 p.m. April 13 at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Fort Ripley.
• Noon to 6 p.m. April 3 at the American Legion in Ironton.
• Noon to 6 p.m. April 4 at the Pequot Lakes High School.
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, 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. Visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass to get started and learn more, and follow the instructions on the site.
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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.
