American Red Cross Encourages Donors to Make Gving Blood a Lifelong Habit; Oct. 17-31 Blood Drives

The American Red Cross reminds eligible donors that it’s never too late – or too early – to make blood donation a lifelong habit.

Many blood donors report making their first blood donation while in high school. High school and college students account for about 20 percent of all blood donations to the Red Cross. Individuals can begin donating at 17 years old, or 16 in some states, and continue to donate as long as they meet eligibility requirements.

Blood donations often decline during the winter holidays when school is not in session. The Red Cross is offering 16- to 24-year-old students currently enrolled in school a way to help overcome this seasonal decline and have a chance to win a college scholarship. Students who sponsor a successful blood drive between Dec. 15, 2014, and Jan. 15, 2015, through the Leaders Save Lives program will be entered to win a college scholarship and will receive a gift card. More information is available at redcrossblood.org/leaderssavelives.

Donors are needed year-round, particularly those with types O negative, A negative and B negative blood. Those who attempt to donate in October will be entered to win a $5,000 Visa gift card, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

To make an appointment to donate blood, eligible donors are encouraged to download the new Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores or text BLOODAPP to 90999 to receive a download link, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To make an appointment for platelet donation sites located in Altoona, Beaver, Greensburg, Johnstown and State College, Pennsylvania, telephone 1-800-542-5663, extensions 622633, 622637 or 622657. Platelet donations are available by appointment only.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities that are open to the public are listed below. For most current information, visit redcrossblood.org.

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (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 (16 with parental consent in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia), 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.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Bidwell, OH: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., River Valley High School, 8785 State Route 160
Calcutta, OH: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Peter Metrovich Community Center, 15442 Pugh Road
Pomeroy, OH: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Mulberry Community Center, 260 Mulberry Ave
Steubenville, OH: Noon – 5:30 p.m., Franciscan University JC Williams Center, 1235 University Blvd

Thursday, October 23, 2014
Jackson, OH: 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., First Church of the Nazarene, 251 Powell Drive
Saint Clairsville, OH: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Belmont College, 120 Fox Shannon Place

Friday, October 24, 2014
Jackson, OH: Noon – 5:30 p.m., Jackson Holzer Medical Center, 500 Burlington Rd

Saturday, October 25, 2014
Ironton, OH: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., St. Joseph High School, 912 S 6th St.

Monday, October 27, 2014