Be A Powerful Force For Good This Summer

As the busy Fourth of July holiday week is here, the American Red Cross asks donors to be a powerful force for good by giving blood now and in the weeks to come. You can be the difference between someone’s storm and their sunshine. Donors are critically needed right now after a sharp decrease in donations since late spring. All blood types are needed, especially donors giving type O blood and those giving platelets.

Full summer calendars and holiday plans may prevent regular donors from being able to give. Additionally, significant summer weather threats such as wildfires, flooding and tornadoes can result in travel hazards and blood drive cancellations that could impact the blood supply.

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, 621 3rd St. S., Glasgow, is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, July 10, 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., in their lower conference room. Using the sponsor code fmdh, book a time to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

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.

Dare to be a force of nature this summer. Give blood or make a financial donation to the Red Cross by visiting RedCross.org.