Red Cross sets local blood drive dates

From the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood and help save lives in honor of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.

Each year, the local and global impact of the Red Cross mission is celebrated on May 8, the birthday of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement founder Henry Dunant.

Currently, donors of all blood types are needed to give and help save hospital patients’ lives. Every day, the Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood donations to meet the needs of patients across the country.

Monday, May 9, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., St. Jude Parish Center, 440 7th Ave., Havre

Tuesday, May 10, 11 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Northern Montana Hospital, 30 13th St., Havre

Thursday, May 12, 1 to 6 p.m., Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Main and Madison, Chester

To donate blood, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit Http://www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS, 1-800-733-2767, to make an appointment or to get 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 at least 17 years of age, or 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.

Blood donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit http://www/redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.