Where To Donate Blood In March - After All, It Is 'Red Cross Month'

News from the American Red Cross:

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA - During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross invites individuals to become everyday heroes by giving blood.

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month by every U.S. president since 1943. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities, helping to prepare for and bringing help and hope after emergencies.

Heroes of all blood types are needed to ensure a sufficient blood supply this spring. The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

San Mateo County

Burlingame

March 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Burlingame Lions Leos Club, 990 Burlingame Ave.

Daly City

March 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at AAA Daly City, 455 Hickey Blvd.

South San Francisco

March 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo Drive

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.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

--Shutterstock image