ST. PAUL, Minn. — With the arrival of Labor Day and the unofficial end to summer, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to roll up a sleeve and give blood or platelets to help ensure sufficient supplies over the holiday weekend.
Those who present to donate between Aug. 26 and Sept. 9 could win one of five $1,000 American Express gift cards, and all donors will walk away with the instant gratification that they may be helping to save more than one life. To help spur additional donations over the Labor Day weekend, all presenting blood and platelet donors between Aug. 31 and Sept. 2 will also receive a complimentary Red Cross T-shirt.
“The summer may be coming to an end, but the work of the Red Cross is far from over,” said Geoff Kaufmann, CEO of the Red Cross North Central Blood Services Region. “As you make plans for this Labor Day holiday, please also make time to give blood and help patients who depend on your lifesaving donation.”
While thousands of people answered the call for blood and platelet donations issued by the Red Cross earlier this summer, an urgent need remains for platelets and types O negative, A negative and B negative blood. The summer months can be especially difficult to collect enough blood and platelet donations to keep pace with patient needs.
“Patients in local hospitals often can’t take a break to enjoy the holiday,” Kaufmann said. “But blood and platelet donors can give these patients a chance to enjoy this time with family and friends – simply by rolling up a sleeve.”
Live a story. Give a story. Donate blood or platelets. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org/summer for more information and to make an appointment to help save lives.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Crow Wing County Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at VFW Post 1647, 309 S. Sixth St. in Brainerd, Minn. Sept. 4 from 12-5 p.m. at American Legion, 23659 Forest Road in Deerwood, Minn. Sept. 5 from 12-6 p.m. at Lutheran Church of Cross, 5064 County Road 13 in Nisswa, Minn. Sept. 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lutheran Church of Cross, 5064 County Road 13 in Nisswa, Minn.
Douglas County Sept. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 202 Seventh Ave. East in Alexandria, Minn.
St. Louis County Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at American Red Cross Northland Chapter, 2524 Maple Grove Road in Duluth, Minn. Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sprint Store, 1027 W. Central Entrance in Duluth, Minn.
How to donate blood Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in some 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.
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.
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