HARRISBURG, Pa. — The American Red Cross is teaming up with Amazon to motivate potential blood donors to step up.
On Monday, the organization urged donors to give blood or platelets now to reinforce the blood supply as much as possible before the summer winds down.
Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially needed to help keep hospital shelves stocked through August, the Red Cross said.
"Donors remain critically needed to support the Red Cross delivery of vital blood products, which are in demand around-the-clock as hospitals work to save lives this summer," the Red Cross said in a press release. "When fewer people answer the call to donate, the blood supply can quickly shrink. Help safeguard necessary care for patients − book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. "
In thanks, the Red Cross said, those who come to give blood between Aug. 1-31 will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/Help for details.
How to donate blood
To donate, 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.
