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Mobile And Online Tools Help Make Donating Blood More Convenient

Last updated on Wednesday, November 22, 2017

(UNDATED) - The holidays are known for the giving spirit and a hectic pace. This holiday season, the American Red Cross is sharing three ways to give the gift of life in less time.

At this time of year many regular blood donors delay giving due to busy schedules - but the need for blood remains. To help donors fit in a donation, the Red Cross offers three easy ways to make helping save lives faster and more convenient:

"The Red Cross is thankful for the generosity of donors who help keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products, but we know that the holiday activities that we cherish most can make it difficult for many regular donors to find a moment to donate this time of year," said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. "We hope technologies like online appointment scheduling, the Blood Donor App and RapidPass will make it a little easier for donors to give more life for patients this holiday season."

Patients don't get a holiday break from needing lifesaving transfusions, and all blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply is available. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1- 800-733- 2767). To learn more about RapidPass, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow
the instructions on the site.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 20-Dec. 15:

Lawrence County

Bedford

11/27/2017: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Leatherwood Christian Church, 3518 Leatherwood Road

Martin County

Loogootee

Shoals

Monroe County

Bloomington

How to donate blood

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.

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, please visit redcross.org or
cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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