GREEN BAY — One in seven patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion. At the same time, only about 3% of Americans give blood. The American Red Cross needs more people to make and keep appointments to give blood or platelets in February and has three great reasons to do so:
• Help prevent a blood shortage: Winter brings seasonal illness and dangerous weather, which can hurt the blood supply. When donors give now, they can help ensure blood is on hospital shelves when it’s needed.
• It’s Heart Month: During a blood donation appointment, the Red Cross checks donors’ blood pressure and pulse, which are important indicators of heart health.
• Treat yourself: All who come to give in February will get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon. Those who come to donate this month will also automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, Florida. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/heart.
Donors of all blood types — particularly type O blood donors, the most needed blood group by hospitals — and platelet donors are needed daily to meet demand. Protect the blood supply from dropping — book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Menominee
• Feb. 27, noon to 6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 923 5th St.
• Feb. 28, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 923 5th St.
Marinette
• March 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pine Tree Mall, 2800 Roosevelt Road.
• March 7, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., St Thomas Aquinas Academy, 1200 Main St.
• March 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Cottages Care Center, 2006 Lake Park Drive.
• March 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1216 Colfax St.
Peshtigo
• Feb. 28, noon to 5 p.m., Faith Baptist Church, 350 N Stephenson Ave.
• March 13, noon to 5 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran, 331 Pine St.
Lena
• March 6, 1 to 6 p.m., Lena High School, 304 E. Main St.
Oconto
• March 9, noon to 5 p.m., Bond Community Center, 1201 Park Ave.
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 2022-APL-0884 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.
