The American Red Cross asks blood and platelet donors to help prevent a summer shortage by making an appointment to roll up a sleeve around the Independence Day holiday.
With blood and platelet donation appointments currently lower than what is needed to maintain a sufficient blood supply, donors of all blood types are urged to schedule an appointment now, especially those with types O-negative, B-negative and A-negative.
The Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood donations every day to meet the needs of patients across the country. This can be challenging during the summer months of June, July and August, when an average of two fewer donors schedule an appointment to give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. This seasonal challenge can be overcome if just two more donors – above what is expected — make an appointment and give blood at each Red Cross blood drive the rest of the summer.
“Vacations and other summer activities often conflict with donation appointments for regular blood donors, which makes summer a very difficult time to collect blood donations,” said Steve Mavica, spokesman for the Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region. “Donations decline further near summer holidays like Independence Day. A blood or platelet donation now can help sustain an adequate blood supply this summer.”
To encourage more people to make time to donate blood before and after Independence Day, all presenting blood and platelet donors from June 30 through July 7 will receive a commemorative Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Fairfield
July 1, 11-4 p.m.
Cambridge Manor, 2428 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825
July 1, 1-6 p.m.
Grasmere by the Sea, One Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
July 2, 1-6 p.m.
Hewitt Health & Rehab Center, 45 Maltby Street, Shelton, CT 06484
July 7, 12:45-6:30 p.m.
Burroughs Community Center, 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605
July 7, 8:30-1:30 p.m.
Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St., Newtown, CT 06470
July 7, 1:30-6:30 p.m.
Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St., Newtown, CT 06470
July 8, 7:30-12:30 p.m.
Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610
July 8, 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610
July 11, 1-6 p.m.
Knights of Columbus, 2252 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615
July 12, 8-1:30 p.m.
Easton Volunteer Fire Company, 1 Center Road, Easton, CT 06612
July 14, 11-4 p.m.
Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins, 135 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468
July 15, 1-6 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 188 Rocky Rest Road, Shelton, CT 06484
New Haven
July 2, 1-6 p.m.
New Haven Jewish Community Center, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525
July 7, 1-6:45 p.m.
Elks Club, 124 New Haven Avenue, Milford, CT 06460
July 14, 9-2 p.m.
Laticrete International, One Laticrete Park North, Bethany, CT 06524
July 15, 1-6 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal, 91 Church Street, Seymour, CT 06483
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, 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.