Red Cross makes plea for blood, platelets donations

This has Unlimited Access. Please support our commitment to public service journalism. Subscribe now.

The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to reinforce the blood supply as much as possible before the summer winds down.

It says Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially needed to help keep hospital shelves stocked through August.

Persons can book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 800-RED-CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Those who give blood Aug. 1-31 will receive a $20 Amazon.com gift card by email. Learn more at RedCrossBlood.org/Help. The closest collection site is 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 12 at Willow Springs United Methodist Church, 311 N. Harris St.

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.

The post Red Cross makes plea for blood, platelets donations appeared first on Houston Herald .