Red Cross encourages residents to give blood this month

Chronicle Media Staff

March is American Red Cross Month and the Red Cross is encouraging all eligible donors to give blood over the next several weeks.

Donating is easier than ever with the Blood Donor App and RapidPass or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting redcrossblood.org.

With the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, donors can conveniently schedule and manage donation appointments, access their donor card, track the impact of their donations and earn rewards. Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questions online at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass before coming to their appointments.

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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.