Tags
American Red Cross New Hampshire, American Red Cross NH, Blood Donors, Blood Services, New Hampshire, Red Cross NH, World Blood Donor Day
by Mary Brant, American Red Cross Northern New England Blood Services & Kelly Baker, American Red Cross NH & VT Region Volunteer Partner – External Communications
The American Red Cross seeks eligible donors to give blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day, June 14, and throughout the summer to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients in need.
Summer is an especially difficult time to collect enough blood to meet the needs of hospital patients. Many schools that host blood drives are out of session during the summer, and regular donors are often vacationing, potentially making them less available to give.
World Blood Donor Day highlights the constant need for donors – during the summer and throughout the year. Supermodel Niki Taylor, the celebrity spokesperson for World Blood Donor Day, fully understands the importance of blood donations. In 2001, she was in a near-fatal car accident and received about 100 pints of blood. To this day, she attributes her survival to the blood donors and doctors who helped save her life.
Those who come to donate blood with the Red Cross June 8-14, 2015, will receive a limited-edition Nexcare give bandage in one of eight global-inspired designs in honor of World Blood Donor Day.
Every day this summer is a chance to give hope. Eligible donors are encouraged to choose their day to make a difference. Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
How to Donate
To become a donor you must be 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.
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. Sign up for our twice monthly enewsletter to receive information about upcoming blood drives.
Our upcoming drives include
- Tanger Outlet’s, Tilton – 6/6
- North Conway Fire Department – 6/4
- Best Western Keene – 6/9
- Colonel Town Community Center – Lancaster – 6/8
- Rivendell Academy – Orford – 6/8
- Intervale Country Club Manchester – 6/12
- Granite State College -Concord – 6/15
- USA Training Center Newington – 6/13
- Riverside Rest Home Dover – 6/5
- Elm Wood Center – Claremont -6/9
Donating blood is a simple thing to do but it can make a big difference in the lives of others.