Celebrate National Volunteer Month by Giving Blood

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April and make a difference in the lives of patients in need.

The Red Cross salutes the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who help fulfill its lifesaving mission and encourages others to join their ranks as volunteer blood donors. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions.

Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring. Those who are unable to give blood can support blood donations and invite others to make a lifesaving donation by creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive at redcrossblood.org/SleevesUp.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Blood donation opportunities

La Selva Beach

4/10/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monterey Bay Academy, 783 San Andreas Rd.

Santa Cruz

4/13/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Pacific Collegiate School, 255 Swift St.

4/13/2015: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

4/15/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Watsonville

4/8/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., West Marine Building, 500 Westridge Dr.

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 some states), 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.

For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

--Shutterstock image

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