As spring approaches, the American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to continue to strengthen the national blood supply. People of all blood types – especially those with type O blood – are critical to ensuring hospitals can meet the daily demand for lifesaving transfusions.

During Red Cross Month in March, the Red Cross celebrates the volunteers and blood and platelet donors who are critical to ensuring those in need receive relief and care. Help can’t wait – to book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. As a thank-you, all who come to give by March 24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus a chance to win one of five $3,000 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Pets for details.

Additionally, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures to celebrate the epic new film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and to invite donors to rise together and give blood. When donors share their strength by giving March 25-April 7, they’ll get an exclusive Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. © 2024 Legendary and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved GODZILLA TM & © TOHO CO., Ltd.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 11-31:

Avery

Linville

3/29/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Cannon Memorial Hospital, 436 Hospital Dr, Sloop Medical Office Plaza

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Buncombe

Weaverville

3/14/2024: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Weaverville Community Center at Dottie Sherrill Knoll, 60 Lakeshore Drive

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McDowell

Marion

3/18/2024: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church, 214 P.G. Baptist Church Rd.

3/20/2024: 12 p.m. – 4:45 p.m., Grace Community Church, 5182 US 70W

3/22/2024: 3:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Marion Moose Lodge, 999 Bill Cook Drive

3/26/2024: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., East McDowell Middle School, 676 State Street

3/27/2024: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Marion Community Building, 191 North Main Street

3/28/2024: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Walmart 1694, 2875 Sugar Hill Road

Nebo

3/30/2024: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Solid Rock Freewill Baptist Church, 7860 NC-226

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McDowell County

Marion

3/13/2024: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., McDowell Tech College, 54 College Dr

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Mitchell

Spruce Pine

3/19/2024: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine, 125 Tappan Street

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Yancey

Burnsville

3/21/2024: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Yancey Senior Center, 503 Medical Campus Dr.

   How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 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.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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