New York, NY - December 19, 2016 - As freezing temperatures and harsh weather grip much of the nation, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to help meet the constant need for blood this winter.
Millions of people are expected to take to the roads, rail and air to celebrate the season, which can cause fewer donors to be available and lead to a decline in blood and platelet donations. In addition, severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can temporarily prevent some from giving. Donors with all blood types are needed now to help patients. As a special thank you for taking the time to donate, those who come out to give Dec. 22 through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
“Many of us celebrate this time of year with loved ones, but patients may spend the holidays and ring in the new year from a hospital room,” said Patty Corvaia, communications manager of the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region. “Blood and platelet donors can bring joy to patients and their families by giving blood or platelets to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving treatments they need.”
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Nassau
Oyster Bay
1/10/2017: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church Oyster Bay, 60 East Main Street
New York
New York
12/22/2016: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross in Greater New York, 520 West 49th Street
12/23/2016: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross in Greater New York, 520 West 49th Street
12/27/2016: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross in Greater New York, 520 West 49th Street
12/29/2016: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross in Greater New York, 520 West 49th Street
12/30/2016: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross in Greater New York, 520 West 49th Street
1/3/2017: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross in Greater New York, 520 West 49th Street
1/5/2017: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross in Greater New York, 520 West 49th Street
1/6/2017: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross in Greater New York, 520 West 49th Street
1/9/2017: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Hunter College West Building, 695 Park Avenue
1/9/2017: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross in Greater New York, 520 West 49th Street
1/11/2017: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Red Cross in Greater New York, 520 West 49th Street
Suffolk
Patchogue
1/14/2017: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., YMCA Patchogue BUS, 255 West Main Street
Westhampton
1/4/2017: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Westhampton Care Center, 78 Old Country Road
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 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 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. To get started and learn more, visit here and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
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. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
