Red Cross: Add blood donation to July to-do list
Owasso residents have two opportunities to donate on July 21
The American Red Cross is asking blood donors to help prevent a summer shortage by making an appointment to roll up a sleeve and help save a life with a blood donation. On July 21, Owasso residents have two opportunities to give blood.
With blood donation appointments currently lower than what is needed to maintain a sufficient blood supply, donors of all blood types are urged to schedule an appointment now, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative.
“I’m happy to donate at the upcoming Owasso Family YMCA blood drive,” said Mayor Jeri Moberly. “I invite the community to join me to help the Red Cross make sure patients have the blood products they need this summer.”
Patients don’t get a vacation from needing blood. The need is constant. Donated blood is perishable. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days, so they must constantly be replenished. There is no substitute for donated blood.
As a national network, the Red Cross has a unique responsibility to help ensure blood is available for patients whenever and wherever it is needed. Donors can feel good knowing that by donating blood through the Red Cross they may be helping patients in their community or patients across the nation.
“Vacations and other summer activities often conflict with donation appointments for regular blood donors, which makes summer a very difficult time to collect blood donations,” said Tricia Quinn, CEO Southwest Blood Services Region. “A blood donation now can help sustain an adequate blood supply this summer.”
Owasso Community Blood Drives:
July 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Owasso Family YMCA, 8300 N. Owasso Expressway, Owasso
July 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Owasso Library. 103 Broadway, Owasso
The Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood donations every day to meet the needs of patients across the country. This can be challenging during the summer months of June, July and August, when an average of two fewer donors schedule an appointment to give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. This seasonal challenge can be overcome if just two more donors – above what is expected – make an appointment and give blood at each Red Cross blood drive the rest of the summer.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in Oklahoma), 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
