As the summer days wind down, the need for blood donors remains high.
“The need for Type O, O-positive and O-negative, is in an emergency need right now,” said American Red Cross Account Manager Tammy Ritchie. “Transfusions are happening when needed, but because that is the most common blood type, it is also the most needed, and in an emergency situation, that is what’s going to be transfused until we know that patient’s blood type.”
High school and college students make up 20 to 25 percent of blood donations, but as students head back to school, donating blood may not be top of mind right now, so the Red Cross is looking for others to step up to help maintain the blood supply.
“We are trying to get into our schools here in September and October to try to get things evened out, but right now, we just need to encourage anybody who’s out there who would be willing to come and donate blood,” Ritchie said. “It is a very safe and simple process, and once you do it one time, you always come up with ‘Wow, that’s not bad at all. I’ll continue to do that.’”
If you are looking for a special incentive, why don’t you check the funny papers?
Now through September 21, when you donate you will receive an exclusive American Red Cross and Peanuts mystery bag with one of four special t-shirt designs featuring Snoopy and Woodstock. Select bags will include a golden ticket which will get you all four shirts. Additionally, platelet donors from September 22 through October 5 will receive a Red Cross sweatshirt featuring Joe Cool.
Visit www.redcrossblood.org to learn more and make an appointment to donate.
