Dec. 11, 19-21—RUTLAND—The 2018 annual Gift-of-Life Marathon blood drive is scheduled for four days in December. It comes at a time when the American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to give now to ensure that blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season.
Please mark your calendar and plan to donate at one of the following locations:
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Castleton University Spartan Athletic Complex – Glenbrook Gym
Wednesday, Dec. 19, 12-5 p.m. at Rutland Regional Medical Center, 160 Allen St., Rutland
Thursday, Dec. 20 and Friday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at College of St. Joseph, 71 Clement Rd., Rutland
“The Gift-of-Life Marathon comes at a time of year when the Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to give,” said Steve Costello, Green Mountain Power vice president and blood drive sponsor. “Medical treatments and emergencies that require blood don’t stop for the holidays or winter weather. Please make time during this season of giving to give the gift that really matters, the gift of life.”
Donors are urged to give now to ensure that patients don’t have to worry about the availability of blood this winter.
In December 2013 the Gift-of-Life Marathon set an American Red Cross national record for the most pints of blood collected in a single day. That year’s final record-breaking number of 2,350 pints of lifesaving blood is still unbroken. How to donate blood
Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 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 height requirements.
