Celebrate Red Cross Month by giving blood in March

Press release

During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to join in its lifesaving mission by giving blood.

Since 1943, every U.S. president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies.

Blood donor Timothy Sheely knows the need firsthand. His wife required 12 units of blood during emergency surgery following the birth of their son.

“If it had not been for blood donors, she might not have survived,” he said. “Thanks to generous blood donors, I still have a wife and my kids still have their mom. I can’t possibly thank those people in person, but I can give a little piece of me back with each donation for the greater good.”

The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those rely on blood products.

Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Big Sandy

March 1, 12:45 to 6 p.m., Jerry Martin Memorial Hall, 166 Johannes Ave.

Chester

March 2, 1 to 6 p.m., Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Main and Madison

Chinook

March 7, 12:30 to 6 p.m., Wallner Hall, 330 Ohio

Harlem

March 8, noon to 4:15 p.m., Harlem High School, 610 1st Ave. S.E.

Turner

March 8, 12:30 to 5 p.m., American Lutheran Church, 155 2nd St. W.

Havre

March 6, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., St. Jude Parish Center, 440 7th Ave.

March 6, 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., Northern Montana Hospital, 30 13th St.

March 9, 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Triangle Communications, 2121 U.S. Highway 2 N.W.

March 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bullhook Community Health Center, 521 4th St.

How to help

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 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 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 redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

Volunteers needed

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, contact Lynne Calmus at 509-943-7812 or visit http://www.redcross.org/volunteer.

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, people can go online to redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit the organization on Twitter at @RedCross.