Donors to receive gift cards and opportunity to win trip to MLB game in All-Star Game in Seattle
When every second counts, blood products can provide lifesaving care. The American Red Cross asks the public to give blood or platelets during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O negative blood donors are especially needed right now.
The power of type O blood
Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.
Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.
Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and are often given to trauma and surgery patients. Type O blood donors are ideal donors, which means they can safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation. Now, more people are able to give a Power Red donation — the minimum height has changed to 5’3” for female donors.
Medical traumas can quickly deplete hospital blood banks. Once patients are stabilized and their blood type is determined, they will receive a matching blood type, so it’s important donors of all types give now and help save lives!
In thanks, all who donate blood May 1-19 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Those who donate May 20-31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last. Plus, May 1-31, those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB All-Star Game in Seattle. The getaway includes two tickets to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® thanks to the support of Fanatics, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel accommodations, a $750 gift card and more.
Upcoming local blood donation opportunities include:
Rutland County:
Pittsford on May 10, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., St. Alphonsus Liguori Church, 2918 US-7
Rutland on May 13, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Rutland Regional Medical Center, 160 Allen St.
Rutland on May 16, 12-5 p.m., American Legion, 33 Washington St.
Brandon on May 18, 12:30-5 p.m., Brandon Congregational Church, 1 Carver St.
Poultney on May 27, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Young at Heart Senior Center, 206 Furnace St.
Windsor County:
Rochester on May 11, 12-4:30 p.m., Pierce Hall, 38 Main St.
Ludlow on May 15, 12-5:30 p.m., American Legion, 133 W Main St.
Brownsville on May 17, 1-5:30 p.m., Holiday Inn, 485 Hotel Drive
Stockbridge on May 20, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Stockbridge Central School, 2933 Vt. Route 107
Springfield on May 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Springfield Elks, 49 Park St.
White River Junction on May 30, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Hartford High School, 37 Highland Ave.
South Royalton on May 31, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Royalton Academy Building, 4266 VT. Route 14
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, 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.
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.
